Abstract Detail

Systematics Section/ASPT

Ryan, Sean [1], Simpson, Michael [2].

Molecular Phylogeny and Character Evolution of Fritillaria subgenus Liliorhiza (Liliaceae).

Fritillaria subgenus Liliorhiza (Liliaceae) is an attractive group of mostly North American geophytes whose evolutionary history has not been fully explored. Abundant synonymy and inconsistent species delimitation need to be addressed in order to make appropriate conservation decisions regarding rare taxa in the group. The most extensive molecular phylogenetic study (Ronsted et al. 2005) included only 12 of the approximately 20-25 species in the subgenus. Recent morphology-based classifications (Santana, 1984; Rix,2001) are in conflict and may be resolved by further morphological and molecular study. My study aims to determine phylogenetic relationships of all described taxa in the group, to evaluate taxonomic classifications (including questionable species and varieties), and to explore morphological character evolution. To accomplish these goals, I am collecting several specimens per taxon, sequencing the chloroplast rpl16 intron and nuclear ribosomal ITS and ETS, and studying characters of flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves, and bulbs. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and ancestral character state reconstructions will be presented. Previously hypothesized subdivisions based on morphology are partially supported in the molecular analysis, but a complete molecular data set must be obtained before any definitive reclassification can be made. One moderately supported clade corresponds with Subsection Affines of Santana (1984) and Section B1 of Rix (2001) with a few exceptions. Another clade, though not supported, corresponds with Subsection Liliorhiza of Santana (1984) and Section B2 of Rix (2001). With regard to character evolution, the possession of numerous rice-grain bulblets attached to the mother bulb appears to be the ancestral state for the group, and have been lost once in a weakly supported clade of four species; whorled leaf arrangement appears to be the ancestral state for the group, and appears to have changed to alternate arrangement in one clade, and subopposite leaf arrangement in a few closely related species.

Broader Impacts:

1 - San Diego State University, Biology, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA
2 - San Diego State University, Department Of Biology, Department Of Biology, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA

Keywords:
Fritillaria
phylogeny
character evolution
nrITS
nrETS
Taxonomy
classification
rpl16.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Battelle South/Convention Center
Date: Monday, July 9th, 2012
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PSY033
Abstract ID:939