Adaptive Radiation and Regulatory Gene Evolution in the Hawaiian Silversword Alliance (Asteraceae)

The Hawaiian silversword alliance is a premier example of adaptive radiation, and serves as a model for exploring the genetic basis of morphological diversification in plants. Molecular analyses at macroevolutionary and microevolutionary scales suggest that rapid and extensive diversification in reproductive and vegetative form in the silversword alliance may be linked to alterations in the tempo and mode of regulatory gene evolution. Unfortunately, the silversword alliance also epitomizes the conservation challenges confronting the biotas of oceanic archipelagos, especially the threats posed by alien species. Taking action now to prevent extinction is key to further exploring adaptive radiation and its link to genome evolution.