Abstract

DUNO-DE STEFANO, Rodrigo; CAN-ITZA, Lilia Lorena; RIVERA-RUIZ, Agesilas  and  CALVO-IRABIEN, Luz María. The biogeographical regions and relationship of the Yucatán Peninsula based on distribution patterns of the Leguminosae family. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2012, vol.83, n.4, pp.1053-1072. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.7550/rmb.27824.

In order to assess biogeographical relationship of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), it was divided in 48 operational geographic units of 0.5 ° latitude and longitude and the distribution patterns of 224 native species of the family Leguminosae were analyzed. Biogeographic relations were determined comparing our results with legumes information of 12 neighboring areas of Central, North and South America, and the Caribbean. Three methodologies were used to analyze the information: the Jaccard's similarity coefficient, parsimony analysis of endemism (PAE), and a simple comparison of the general pattern of distribution as a simple model of the individual trace of Croizat. Published phylogenies for some genera were analyzed in order to discuss geographic patterns. The results suggest that the higher species richness found in the southern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula is associated to the north-south climatic gradient present in the peninsula. Based on our results, this area can be divided in 2 biogeographical areas (districts), a northern area with legumes associated to dry habitats and a southern zone with species that grow in more humid climates; 5 sub-districs could also be recognized. The parsimony analysis of endemism and simple comparison of the general pattern of distribution are congruent with the similarity analysis. All the evidence suggests that the Yucatán Peninsula shows more affinity with Central America, followed by North America, South America, and finally the Antilles. On the other hand, the endemic element represents 6.7 % of the legume diversity.

Keywords : biogeography; flora; Leguminosae; Mesoamerica; parsimony analysis of endemicity; Yucatán Peninsula.

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