Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Mabry, Makenzie [1], Simpson, Michael [2].

Evaluating the Monophyly and Biogeography of Cryptantha (Boraginaceae).

Cryptantha Lehmann ex G. Don, an herbaceous plant genus of the Boraginaceae family, is found in western North America and western South America, but not in the tropics between. This amphitropical distribution has long puzzled scientists. In a previous study, Cryptantha was found to be paraphyletic and was split into five genera, including a weakly supported, potentially non-monophyletic Cryptantha. In all subsequent studies of the Amsinckiinae, the subtribe to which Cryptantha belongs, interrelationships of Cryptantha are generally not well-supported and have a low sample size. Next generation sequencing methods, such as genome skimming, allow for the acquisition of significantly more data at relatively low costs. Use of the complete ribosomal cistron, partial chloroplast genome, and twenty-three mitochondrial genes, as well as a greatly increased sample size, has allowed for inference of relationships within this complex with strong support. The occurrence of a non-monophyletic Cryptantha is confirmed, with two clades, the Albidae Clade and the Maritimae Clade, strongly supported as independent of the remainder of the genus. From this analysis, classification, character evolution, and the phylogeographic history that elucidates the current amphitropical distribution of the group, is accessed. Revealing the timing, direction, and number of times of dispersal between North and South America gives insight as to the origin of the great biodiversity of these regions.

1 - 5500 Campanille Dr., San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
2 - San Diego State University, Department Of Biology, Department Of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182-4416, USA

Keywords:
amphitropical
Cryptantha
Genome skimming.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 49
Location: Salon 4/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 2:00 PM
Number: 49003
Abstract ID:1263
Candidate for Awards:George R. Cooley Award