Abstract Detail

Systematics Section / ASPT

Roalson, Eric [1].

Multigenic inference of phylogenetic relationships in Eleocharis (Cyperaceae) and an assessment of morphological evolutionary dynamics in the genus.

Central to the understanding of the diversification of organisms is understanding the evolution of structure, form, and physiology, the genic controls and interactions underlying these characters, and the interaction of these structural characteristics and physiological processes with the environment. Eleocharis (Cyperaceae), a well demarcated genus including approximately 200 species, is of particular interest for studying the evolution of photosynthetic pathway and morphological form for several reasons. In terms of photosynthetic pathway evolution, some species of Eleocharis are known to be capable of changing their photosynthetic pathway and anatomical type under different growing conditions and there have apparently been multiple origins of C4 photosynthesis within Eleocharis. In terms of morphological characteristics, there has been repeated specialization for growing under completely submerged conditions and cryptic variation is present in many of the morphological characters used in previous intrageneric classifications. Here I explore the phylogenetic pattern of morphological and physiological characteristics in Eleocharis using nrDNA, chloroplast spacers, and preliminary results from other nuclear gene families.

1 - Washington State University, School of Biological Sciences, P.O. Box 644236, Pullman, Washington, 99164-4236

Keywords:
C4 photosynthesis evolution
Eleocharis
Cyperaceae
molecular phylogenetics
morphological diversity.

Presentation Type: Paper
Session: 20-3
Location: Cottonwood B (Snowbird Center)
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2004
Time: 2:15 PM
Abstract ID:504