Format: ORAL

Camilo Palacios-Hurtado1,2, Sebastin Gonzlez-Caro3, Nicols Castao4, Sal Hoyos-Gmez5, Heriberto David5, Felipe Cardona5, Harley Quinto6, Mauricio Snchez2, Miguel Pea2, lvaro Duque2

1 Department of Biology, University of Miami, Miami, USA. 2 Departamento de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia 3 University of Exeter, UK 4 Instituto Amazónico de Investigaciones Científicas SINCHI, Bogotá, Colombia 5 Herbario Universidad de Antioquia (HuA), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia 6 Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Tecnológica Del Chocó, Quibdó, Colombia

Biodiversity distribution in Neotropical regions, such as the Amazon, Tropical Andes, and Choco, continues to captivate scientists. This study contributes to the ongoing debate over Earths most plant-diverse region, unraveling the interplay of geological history, climate, and evolution. Our primary objective was to compare taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in woody plant communities across the Amazon, Northern Andes, and Choco, utilizing 48 permanent 1-ha plots. A secondary objective was to discern the relationship between species richness and phylogenetic diversity in these biogeographic regions, exploring its connection to the Museums and Cradles hypothesis and the role of these regions. We observed the highest species accumulation rate and species richness (SR) in the Amazon. Similarly, phylogenetic species richness was most pronounced in the Amazon, followed by the Choco and Andes. Contrary to expectations, the Choco surpassed the Northern Andes in angiosperm SR and phylogenetic diversity (PD). Strong positive correlations between SR and PD were evident across regions. Our findings reveal distinctive taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity patterns. The Amazon, rooted in ancient geological history, exhibits higher SR and PD. In contrast, the Andes and Choco, with more recent origins, demonstrate higher speciation rates, evidenced by greater SR relative to PD. Residual analysis of our data suggests unexpected results, with the Amazon aligning with a cradle hypothesis, the Northern Andes resembling a museum, and the Choco displaying characteristics of both. This study challenges preconceived notions, offering insights into taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the Amazon, Andes, and Choco. By elucidating the relationships between geological history, climate, and evolution, our findings underscore the importance of considering both dimensions in biodiversity assessments. Effective conservation in these Neotropical regions requires accounting for their unique evolutionary dynamics and the implications of varying geological ages on plant community composition.