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Abstract Detail



Systematics Section/ASPT

Weeks, Andrea [1], Gostel, Morgan [2].

Resolving the evolutionary history of copal and myrrh trees (Burserinae; Burseraceae).

The close relationship of the copal and the myrrh genera (Bursera and Commiphora) has never been contested on morphological or molecular phylogenetic grounds. However, the precise nested relationship among the major lineages of this pantropically distributed clade remains unclear. Two hypotheses have been proposed in prior work, either each genus is monophyletic or Bursera subgenus Bursera is sister to both B. subgenus Elaphrium and Commiphora (i.e., Bursera is paraphyletic). Here we present the most complete test to date of these hypotheses using molecular phylogenetic analysis. We sample nearly all Bursera species and over half of those in Commiphora using eight nuclear and chloroplast markers. We have included biogeographic outliers of both genera from the Old and New Worlds as well as representatives from the centers of endemism for Commiphora (SW and NE Africa, Madagascar, Socotra). These data are used in conjunction with Aucoumea and more distantly related Burseraceae outgroups in parametric tests that resolve the evolutionary history of copal and myrrh trees and revise our understanding of the timing and tempo of Burserinae’s diversification across the continents.

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1 - George Mason University, 4400 University Drive MSN 5F2, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA
2 - George Mason University, Environmental Science And Policy, David King Hall, MSN 5F2, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA, 22030-4444, USA

Keywords:
Burseraceae
island biogeography
Miocene
Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 19
Location: Napoleon Ballroom/Riverside Hilton
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: 19001
Abstract ID:917
Candidate for Awards:None


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