Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Dupin, Julia [1], Smith, Stacey [2].

Biogeography, dispersal and trait evolution in the Datureae clade (Solanaceae).

Niche evolution and dispersal events are prominent factors thought to drive speciation and trait divergence in plants. Existing studies of large clades, as Solanaceae, have provided evidence for numerous ecological and geographic shifts associated with their diversification. However, the absence of fine scale species-level sampling within clades limits our understanding of the relative importance of niche conservatism and niche transitions in the process of diversification. In order to test the role of these two contrasting modes of diversification in Solanaceae, this study examines the biogeographic history and the evolution of dispersal traits in Datureae, with a focus on fruit and seed morphology. Datureae is a clade of approximately 20 species in the tomato family, Solanaceae. Species of Datureae are distributed from the U.S. to Brazil, with centers of diversity in Mexico and the Andes. The clade comprises two genera, Datura L. and Brugmansia Pers., which have been traditionally delimited based on differences in vegetative form, flower structure and fruit type. We will estimate the phylogeny of this group using three nuclear markers (internal transcribed spacer (ITS), granule-bound starch synthase (waxy) and LEAFY (LFY). Our preliminary analyses suggest that Brugmansia, Datura and one previously misplaced Bolivian species of Iochroma (I. cardenasianum) form a clade, but the relationship between Datura species, Brugmansia species and the aforementioned Iochroma is still uncertain. The combination of the three gene trees will help to elucidate the lower level relationships. The evolution of schizocarpic fruits with ant-dispersed seeds bearing elaiosomes is exclusive to the North American taxa but further studies will be needed to determine the number of origins of this dispersal syndrome.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, School of Biological Sciences, 1104 T Street, Manter Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0118, USA
2 - University of Nebraska, School of Biological Sciences, 1104 T St., Lincoln, NE, 68588-0118, USA

Keywords:
biogeography
Datura
Brugmansia
Dispersal
Niche evolution
Solanaceae.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Grand Salon A - D/Riverside Hilton
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2013
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBG003
Abstract ID:230
Candidate for Awards:None