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Abstract Detail


Systematics Section

Schulte, Lacie J. [1], Ooi, Maggie T. [2], Jeffries, Shandra K. [2], Clark, John L. [3], Amaya Marquez, Marisol [4], Smith, James [5].

Phylogeny and climatic and morphological adaptation in the angustata clade of Columnea (Gesneriaceae).

To better recognize and appreciate the mechanisms of speciation we must first understand the patterns and processes of important evolutionary/ecological forces that drive the process. The tropical plant family Gesneriaceae offers researchers insight into the speciation process. Until recently phylogenetic resolution of the family Gesneriaceae has proven difficult based on morphological characteristics alone. Molecular data have begun to shed light on the evolutionary relationships of the family,specifically focusing on the genus Columnea. Previous morphological data had placed the species of Columnea into a single genus (Columnea) divided into five sections. The most recent molecular data is beginning to break down this previous classification system and shows support for seven clades within the genus. One of the well-supported monophyletic groups, the angustata clade, needs to be investigated further. Species found within the angustata clade are epiphytes with small (< 5cm), slightly ventricose corollas, short pedicels (< 2cm),and inflorescences of 3-12 flowers. This study uses seven gene regions (5 cpDNA regions, ITS, and ETS) to determine which species belong within the angustata clade and to place those species in a well supported phylogenetic tree. This tree will then be used to map both morphological characteristics and climate variables to study correlations among sister species within the clade to infer evolutionary patterns and processes.

Broader Impacts:


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1 - Boise State University, Biological Sciences, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA
2 - Boise State University, Biological Sciences, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID
3 - University of Alabama, Biological Sciences, Box 870345 , Tusacaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
4 - Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales, Aptdo. Aereo 7495, Bogota, Colombia
5 - BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY, Biology Department, 1910 UNIVERSITY DRIVE, Boise, ID, 83725-1515, USA

Keywords:
Columnea
Gesneriaceae
Phylogeny
evolution
speciation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 36
Location: Lindell B/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Time: 2:15 PM
Number: 36004
Abstract ID:59


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