Event Title
Phylogenetic Relationships within the Neotropical Plant Genus Lymania (Family Bromeliaceae) based on Several DNA Regions
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology
Mentor Information
Timothy Evans, evanstim@gvsu.edu
Department
Biology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 28
Start Date
13-4-2011 4:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 5:00 PM
Keywords
Life Science
Abstract
The plant genus Lymania (family Bromeliaceae) consists of nine species of narrow geographic distribution within neotropical forests. Members of Bromeliaceae have undergone adaptive radiation, and there is evidence to support rapid radiation events along the lineage of modern Lymania. More recently, Lymania species have suffered from massive habitat loss due to human activity. Recent phylogenetic studies have provided weak support for a monophyletic Lymania, but relationships within the genus have not been fully resolved. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus was performed using DNA sequences from four chloroplast regions (matK, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, and ndhF) as well as the nuclear gene, g3pdh. Preliminary analyses still support a monophyletic Lymania, but relationships among several genera remain unresolved. Analysis of phylogenetic branch lengths suggests a recent relatively high extinction rate in the genus, possibly due to the combination of habitat loss and narrow endemism.
Phylogenetic Relationships within the Neotropical Plant Genus Lymania (Family Bromeliaceae) based on Several DNA Regions
Henry Hall Atrium 28
The plant genus Lymania (family Bromeliaceae) consists of nine species of narrow geographic distribution within neotropical forests. Members of Bromeliaceae have undergone adaptive radiation, and there is evidence to support rapid radiation events along the lineage of modern Lymania. More recently, Lymania species have suffered from massive habitat loss due to human activity. Recent phylogenetic studies have provided weak support for a monophyletic Lymania, but relationships within the genus have not been fully resolved. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus was performed using DNA sequences from four chloroplast regions (matK, psbA-trnH, trnL-trnF, and ndhF) as well as the nuclear gene, g3pdh. Preliminary analyses still support a monophyletic Lymania, but relationships among several genera remain unresolved. Analysis of phylogenetic branch lengths suggests a recent relatively high extinction rate in the genus, possibly due to the combination of habitat loss and narrow endemism.