Abstract Detail

Ecological diversification and niche evolution in the temperate zone’s largest genus: Carex

Global Carex Group, . [1], Jimenez-Mejias, Pedro [2], Starr, Julian [3], Naczi, Robert F. C. [4], Roalson, Eric H. [5], Waterway, Marcia J. [6], Hahn, Marlene [7], Hipp, Andrew L. [8].

A global phylogeny of Carex.

A robust global phylogeny of Carex, the temperate zone’s largest angiosperm genus, is a challenging target that only can be approached through collaboration among researchers worldwide. In this talk, we present our progress toward a global Carex phylogeny. Our current sampling includes about 60% of the approximately 2100 species in Carex. We have developed tools to curate and evaluate GenBank data at the specimen level (rather than the species level) and to integrate these data with novel data we have generated for the project. Taking a barcoding approach focused on nuclear ribosomal spacers, ETS and ITS, and plastid DNA from the matK gene, we have assembled three datasets: one using our own newly-generated data, a second based only on publically available data in GenBank, and a last one combining both datasets. At each stage, we evaluate data reliability through placement of individual taxa, flagging taxa that are most remarkably non-monophyletic. After this curation, we aggregate data to the species level to focus on our target of a section-level analysis. A novel data set of more than 200 pre-Pleistocene records of Carex fossils, dating back to the Palaeocene, will allow us to calibrate the phylogeny. This phylogenetic framework on a global scale will be invaluable for future studies like those being presented in this symposium. It will give insights into patterns of diversification and geographical distribution in a phylogenetic history of Carex that will allow us to evaluate whether niche evolution drives diversification or merely tracks evolutionary history.

Related Links:
Carex Classification - NSF-ARTS

1 - http://systematics.mortonarb.org/cariceae/participants_view
2 - Washington State University, School of Biological Sciences, Pullman, WA, 99164, United States
3 - University of Ottawa, Biology, Gendron Hall, Room 160, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
4 - The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY, 0458-5126, USA
5 - Washington State University, School Of Biological Sciences, Abelson Hall 339, Pullman, WA, 99164-4236, USA, 509/332-2181
6 - McGill University, Plant Science-Macdonald Campus, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne De Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada, 514/398-7851 X-7864
7 - The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532, USA
8 - The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532-1293, USA, 630-725-2094

Keywords:
Cyperaceae
Macrophylogeny
GenBank
barcoding.

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY15
Location: Salon 11/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
Time: 8:15 AM
Number: SY15002
Abstract ID:675
Candidate for Awards:None