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Abstract Detail



The Critical Role of Plant Fossils in Divergence Dating Studies

Hermsen, Elizabeth J. [1], Gandolfo, Maria A, [2].

The Critical Role of Plant Fossils in Divergence Dating Studies.

The use of molecular phylogenetic trees calibrated to the geologic time scale using fossil evidence is becoming progressively more crucial to understanding and interpreting plant evolution, particularly the timing of clade radiations and major lineage divergences. Given the burgeoning interest in adding a temporal dimension to phylogenetic trees, it is more important than ever that paleobotanists and phylogeneticists who research extant plants communicate so that each group understands the requirements and limitations of their respective fields. To that end, the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) working group "Synthesizing and Databasing Fossil Calibrations: Divergence Dating and Beyond" is planning to launch a database and companion "Fossil Calibrations Series" of peer-reviewed papers through the online, open-access journal Palaeontologia Electronica. The purpose of this colloquium is to introduce the planned database and provide a forum for papers that suit the theme of fossils and divergence dating. Presentations may critically review and/or recommend fossil calibrations for particular plant groups; discuss the problems and pitfalls of identifying fossils to use as calibration points; address the impact that the choice of fossils, dates, and nodes has on the results of divergence dating analyses (generally or using a specific example); or address any other aspects of divergence dating with a particular emphasis on the role of fossils. Recommended calibrations should follow the "Best Practices for Justifying Fossil Calibrations" guidelines published by Parham et al. (2012. Syst. Biol. 61:346-359). Presenters who discuss calibration points will be encouraged to submit their recommendations to the planned database with a companion paper in the Fossil Calibrations Series or another peer-reviewed journal of their choice (specific guidelines will be provided to those who wish to submit to the Fossil Calibrations Series of Palaeontologia Electronica). Although the organizers will solicit papers for this colloquium, we will also consider contributed papers with special emphasis on including presentations to be given by students, postdocs, and early career faculty.

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NESCent Project Description


1 - Ohio University, Department of Environmental and Plant Biology, Porter Hall 401, Athens, Ohio, 45701, USA
2 - Cornell University, L. H. BAILEY HORTORIUM, 410 Mann Library Building, ITHACA, NY, 14853-4301, USA, 607/255-3273

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: C5
Location: Belle-Chasse/Riverside Hilton
Date: Tuesday, July 30th, 2013
Time: 9:30 AM
Number: C5SUM
Abstract ID:20
Candidate for Awards:None


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