Phylogenetic, ecological and intraindividual variability patterns in grass phytolith shape

Background and Aims Grass silica short cell (GSSC) phytoliths appear to be the most reliable source of fossil evidence for tracking the evolutionary history and paleoecology of grasses. In recent years, modern techniques that quantitatively assess phytolith shape variation have widened opportunities for the classification of grass fossil phytoliths. However, phylogenetic, ecological and intraindividual variability patterns in phytolith shape remain largely unexplored. Methods The full range of intraindividual phytolith shape variation [3650 two-dimensional (2-D) outlines] from 73 extant grass species, 48 genera, 18 tribes and eight subfamilies (particularly Pooideae) was analysed using geometric morphometric analysis based on semi-landmarks spanning phytolith outlines. Key Results The 2-D phytolith shape is mainly driven by deep-time diversification of grass subfamilies. There is distinct phytolith shape variation in early-diverging lineages of Pooideae (Meliceae, Stipeae). The amount of intraindividual variation in phytolith shape varies among species, resulting in a remarkable pattern across grass phylogeny. Conclusions The phylogenetic pattern in phytolith shape was successfully revealed by applying geometric morphometrics to 2-D phytolith shape outlines, strengthening the potential of phytoliths to track the evolutionary history and paleoecology of grasses. Geometric morphometrics of 2-D phytolith shape is an excellent tool for analysis requiring large numbers of phytolith outlines, making it useful for quantitative palaeoecological reconstruction.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the variation in grass phytolith shape using geometric morphometric analysis. The results revealed that the shape of phytoliths is mainly influenced by the long-time diversification of grass subfamilies. There is noticeable variation in phytolith shape in early-diverging lineages of grasses. The findings highlight the potential of using phytoliths to track the evolutionary history and paleoecology of grasses.