A hypothesis on the evolution of isoprenoid emission by oaks based on the correlation between emission type and Quercus taxonomy

We show that Mediterranean oaks that emit isoprene, monoterpenes or no isoprenoids belong to di€erent subgenera as indicated by morpho-taxonomy and molecular genetics. On the other hand, oaks from North America and Asia that are taxonomically similar to the Mediterranean monoterpene emitter Q. ilex emit isoprene only. We surmise that isoprene emission is a genetic character which evolved ancestrally in the oak genus since this is the prevalent emission type in oaks widespread around the world and adapted to di€erent environments. This ancestral character may have been either lost or modi®ed in more recent clades such as those originating the Mediterranean oaks. If our hy- pothesis is correct then the taxonomy of European oaks is validated by this independent trait. Isoprenoid emis- sion could serve as a chemo-taxonomical marker and could be used to reconstruct the phylogeny of oaks in association with molecular markers.