ABSTRACT--Gene trees are
generally assumed to reflect the underlying phylogeny of the species,
and they are, therefore, generally expected to be congruent with each
other. Published gene trees from sequences of three nuclear genes––two
5S DNA arrays and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the
ribosomal RNA genes––are known to give somewhat different
histories for diploid members of the Triticeae. A phylogeny based on
cpDNA restriction sites gives yet another topology. Some discrepancies
come from poorly supported nodes. Other differences, however, are
statistically significant. The differences among the nuclear gene trees
can be ascribed to particular taxa (notably Triticum monococcum and Aegilops tauschii),
which have different histories for particular parts of their genomes.
We have removed these two taxa, combined the three nuclear loci to
produce a well-supported tree, and introduced the two species later as
reticulations. The cpDNA tree has no groups in common with any of the
nuclear gene trees, and is therefore not combined with them. Multiple
reticulations must be introduced to reconcile the cpDNA and combined
nuclear trees. Such dramatic differences among gene trees might be
expected among populations of a species complex, but are surprising
among intersterile genera.