Phylogeographical break and limited connectivity between multiple refugia in panantarctic moss species

Aim: Historical biogeography of the Antarctic terrestrial biota remains poorly studied and understood. We aim to advance this through a range-wide, multilocus analysis of a pan-Antarctic moss species, in the context of its age, range dynamics, phylogeographical structure, and location of possible long-term refugia.
Location: Continental and maritime Antarctic, South America (Patagonia), Australasia.
Taxon: Syntrichia sarconeurum Ochyra & R.H. Zander (Pottiaceae).
Methods: We used a comprehensive, range-wide and taxonomically-informed sampling, and multilocus sequencing of nuclear and plastid DNA regions. Temporal evolutionary framework, regional genetic diversification and diversity were assessed with phylogenetic and phylogeographic reconstructions, molecular dating, haplotype networks, mismatch analysis, and S-DIVA reconstruction of past events and ancestral areas.
Results: Intercontinental disjunction between Australia and Antarctica/S. America was dated to 3.77 Ma, while divers...