The Darwinian shortfall in plants: phylogenetic knowledge is driven by range size

The Darwinian shortfall, i.e. the lack of knowledge phylogenetic relationships, significantly impedes our understanding evolutionary drivers global patterns biodiversity. Spatial bias in where some regions is more complete than others, could undermine eco- and biogeographic inferences. Yet, spatial biases for major groups – such as plants remain poorly understood. Using data 337 023 species (99.7%) seed (Spermatophyta), we produced a map based on regional tested several potential observed variation. Regional was defined proportion plant flora represented GenBank's nucleotide database with phylogenetically relevant data. We used simultaneous autoregressive models to explain variation three biodiversity variables (species richness, range size endemism) six socioeconomic representing funding accessibility. compared relationships established Wallacean shortfall (the distributions). found that strongly related macroecological distribution species' sizes. Small-ranged were less likely have data, leading concentration species-rich, tropical countries sizes are small average. Socioeconomic factors important, significant but quantitatively effects accessibility funding. In conclusion, reducing smoothen its will require increased efforts sequence world's small-ranged (endemic) species.