Inter-archipelago Dispersal, Anagenetic Evolution, and the Origin of a Rare Plant Genus on a Remote Oceanic Archipelago

May 12, 2026

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Island plants attract evolutionary biologists due to their isolation and distinctive adaptations. This study focuses on Thamnoseris, a monospecific endemic genus from the Desventuradas Islands, Chile, whose origins and relationships remained uncertain because of restricted access to the islands. Nuclear ITS nrDNA sequences and the complete chloroplast genome were analyzed to resolve phylogeny. Results place Thamnoseris within or as sister to Dendroseris, the dominant endemic lineage of the Juan Fernández Islands, indicating evolution from a common ancestor before Dendroseris diversification. Dispersal to San Ambrosio and San Félix likely occurred within the past 3 million years, representing a rare inter-archipelago dispersal pathway, with alternative scenarios assessed.

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May 12, 2026