Punctuated changes in the morphology of an endemic diatom from Lake Titicaca

• DOI: 10.1017/pab.2017.27
• Publication Date: 2018-01-18T05:30:47Z
• Authors: Trisha L. Spanbauer; Sherilyn C. Fritz; Paul A. Baker
• Keywords: Endemism; Morphology; Phyletic gradualism; Environmental change

Abstract High levels of biodiversity and endemism in ancient lakes have motivated research on evolutionary processes these systems. Drill-core records from Lake Titicaca (Bolivia, Peru), an lake the high-elevation Altiplano, record history climate, landscape dynamics, diatom evolution. That was used to examine patterns drivers morphological evolution endemic species complex diatoms lake, Cyclostephanos andinus complex. In attempt delineate within based morphology, no discernible evidence found for separation ordination analysis multiple characters, but populations were detected distribution valve size individual samples. Likelihood modeling phyletic showed that evolved through punctuated change. Correlation trends with environmental variables indicates C. responded regional change driven by global influenced affecting level thermal stratification.