The geographic range size and vulnerability to extinction of angiosperm epiphytes in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

• DOI: 10.1111/geb.13718
• Publication Date: 2023-06-12T14:40:27Z
• Authors: Tarciso C. C. Leão; Peter B. Reich; Eimear Nic Lughadha
• Keywords: Epiphyte; Orchidaceae; Extinction (optical mineralogy)

Abstract Aim Angiosperm epiphytes have long been reported to larger geographic ranges than terrestrial species, despite evidence of their outstanding diversity and endemism. This apparent contradiction calls for further investigation epiphytes' poorly understood range size patterns. Here, we address the question whether different vulnerability extinction species. Location The Atlantic Forest Brazil, a global centre tropical epiphyte with relatively well‐known flora, where can estimate large number species reasonable confidence. Time period Occurrence records from 17th century year 2021. Major taxa studied Flowering plants (angiosperms). Methods We downloaded, processed cleaned all occurrence angiosperm native Brazil available in speciesLink network Global Biodiversity Information Facility. estimated extent area occupancy 12,679 flowering plants, including 1251 epiphytic compared other life forms at broad (e.g. Angiosperms, Monocots) more restricted taxonomic scales individual families), assuming are independent entities also when accounting phylogenetic dependence. Results found that among smallest plants. no consistent epiphytism leads differences between close relatives. However, both non‐epiphytes epiphyte‐rich lineages small likely high extinction. Main Conclusions Our findings contrast long‐held hypothesis Epiphytes relatives share many diversification mechanisms ecological adaptations (‘epiphyte‐like traits’), which probably explain why sets sizes