Is there really more biodiversity in Mediterranean forest ecosystems?

• DOI: 10.2307/25065477
• Publication Date: 2010-05-03T16:15:39Z
• Authors: Bruno Fady-Welterlen
• Keywords: Mediterranean Basin; Biodiversity hotspot

Abstract The Mediterranean Basin accounts for more than 10% of the world's vascular plant biodiversity in an area less 1.5% size continental Earth. Forest tree taxa are also exceptionally diverse: 100 species have been recorded around Mediterranean, but 30 can be found Temperate Europe. This amazing was developed over millions years due to highly heterogeneous geology and climate Mediterranean. Did these factors affect within species, i.e., genetic diversity populations? Heterozygosity (the within‐population gene diversity), differentiation among‐population spatial structure), neutral genes (isozymes) were used measure within‐species four conifer genera commonly Mediterranean: Abies Mill., Cedrus Trew, Cupressus L., Pinus L. Their significantly higher that other worldwide did not correspond expected values terms biogeography or levels endemism. Gene Eastern Western Basin, and, surprisingly, only mildly affected by human impact. A specific post‐glacial recolonization model is proposed which effective glacial refugia numerous, drift less, what approach help solve taxonomic questions, when as indicator evolutionary potentials, essential component conservation strategies.