Studies of diversification rate shifts require knowledge of both phylogeny and time. Yet, even with these components, the picture remains incomplete if the goal is to determine causal factors driving such shifts. In the present analysis I optimize biogeographic data and data on reproductive strategy to a large phylogeny of Mitthyridium, consisting of 140 population exemplars, in order to comprehend causal factors driving its relatively recent radiation. The gene s utility for plant systematics is poorly known, and this represents the first study to use gpd for moss phylogeography. Using gpd, I reconstruct the relationships among 140 populations distributed across the known geographic range Mitthyridium.
Results show a trend towards increased loss of sexual reproduction among island populations.
These island groups were found sister to mainland populations that show significantly higher frequencies of sexual reproduction. This finding suggests a general evolutionary trend towards loss of sex on islands. Furthermore, the shift in reproductive mode is correlated with a shift in diversification rate. This correlation suggests a plausible cause of the rapid lineage radiation among island members of Mitthyridium.