Phylogeographical patterns of <i>Campanula</i> gr. <i>arvatica</i>, an endemic group of the Cantabrian mountains (NW Iberian Peninsula), based on plastid and nuclear DNA polymorphisms

Endemicity is a key consideration for conservation, and taxa that are endemic to a single country are vaulable conservation targets. In this study, we investigate endemic species of the genus <i>Campanula</i> in northern Iberian Peninsula based on sequences of nrDNA (internal transcribed spacer, ITS) and plastid regions (<i>rbcL, trnL-F</i> and <i>trnS-G</i>) and additionally the secondary structure of ITS2. The main aim of this work was to evaluate the evolutionary history of <i>Campanula</i> gr. <i>arvatica</i> from the Cantabrian Range (northern Iberian Peninsula) and establish phylogeographical patterns. Our results showed that molecular data from nuclear DNA and plastid regions should be applied for management and conservation strategies to monitor this endemic group from northern Spain. Furthermore, molecular evidence indicates significant differences among the three taxa analysed and shows the importance of the Cantabrian Mountains as a refuge for endemic Iberian flora in which processes of neo-speciation and/or crypto-speciation are under way.特有性是生物多样性保护的核心考量维度，仅分布于单一国家的分类单元（taxon，复数taxa）是极具保护价值的目标类群。本研究以伊比利亚半岛北部的风铃草属（<i>Campanula</i>）特有物种为研究对象，基于核核糖体DNA（nuclear ribosomal DNA, nrDNA）的内转录间隔区（internal transcribed spacer, ITS）、质体区域（<i>rbcL</i>、<i>trnL-F</i>及<i>trnS-G</i>）序列，同时结合ITS2的二级结构展开分析。本研究的核心目标在于解析源自伊比利亚半岛北部坎塔布连山脉的<i>Campanula</i> gr. <i>arvatica</i>的演化历史，并阐明其系统地理格局。研究结果显示，核DNA与质体区域的分子数据可用于指导西班牙北部该特有类群的监测、管理与保护策略制定。此外，分子证据表明所分析的三个分类单元间存在显著差异，同时证实坎塔布连山脉作为伊比利亚特有植物区系避难所的重要性，该区域目前正处于新物种形成和/或隐物种形成的过程之中。