Hybridization patterns in Balearic endemic plants assessed by molecular and morphological markers

Resumen

Natural hybridization is a widely known process in plants. It is an important source of variation promoting species evolution. It is likely to be the origin of many angiosperms, including local endemisms. Oppositely, it is also regarded as a potential threat for endemisms survivorship, diluting their differentail traits. This thesis deals with putative natural hybridization processes involving three Balearic endemics (Viola jaubertiana, Lotus fulgurans i Helichrysum crassifolium), from the points of view of the DNA molecular markers and the morphology. The role of natural hybridization in the variation, origin, and conservation of the above endemics is evaluated.