engleski

Present and past distribution of Edraianthus species based on ecological niche modelling

The Balkan Peninsula is recognized as one of the south European Pleistocene refugia for temperate species, a biodiversity hotspot harbouring numerous endemic species within its flora. The genus Edraianthus (Campanulaceae) has the centre of its distribution in western Balkans. In recent years it has been extensively studied. Special efforts have been given to the study of phylogenetic relations within the group and to the study of quaternary range shift patterns of some representatives, based on molecular data. Some of the published studies were accompanied by accurate data of species occurrences. Using such data together with environmental data in ecological niche modelling (ENM) we can predict species distribution in a geographic space according to a mathematical prediction of their environmental space. Models projected to past environmental conditions can help us understand late quaternary range shifts and to locate potential Pleistocene refugia. Here we present the results of the potential present and past (Last Glacial Maximum) distribution patterns of selected Edraianthus species based on ENM. Our aim is to complete the knowledge of their current distribution and to contribute to the understanding of biogeographical patterns as a response to late quaternary climatic oscillations in the Balkan Peninsula.

Edraianthus; ecological niche modelling; distribution patterns; Balkan Peninsula; glacial refugia

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