Abstract Detail

Biogeography

Dertien, Joseph [1], Duvall, M [2].

Systematics and Biogeography of Guaiacum and Allied Genera of Larreoideae (Zygophyllaceae).

Guaiacum (Zygophyllaceae) is a genus of neotropical hardwood trees and shrubs, many of which are considered endangered in their natural habitats. A multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of multiple accessions of Guaiacum spp. was conducted to resolve evolutionary relationships and attempt to delimit species boundaries. Statistical parsimony (haplotype) networks were implemented to resolve relationships within and among closely related species that lacked resolution in maximum parsimony analyses. Differences in genetic signatures (haplotypes) of chloroplast markers among populations of Guaiacum sanctum L. were characterized and interpreted as evidence of an ancient genetic divergence within this species. Putative taxonomic positions within Guaiacum were resolved, and a novel genetic intermediate was characterized in accessions collected from Chiapas, Mexico. Chiapas accessions possess a chloroplast haplotype that is intermediate between haplotypes found in accessions of G. sanctum and G. coulteri, which corresponds with the geographic position between the ranges of G. sanctum and G. coulteri. Phylogenetic analysis was also conducted to resolve relationships among Guaiacum and its allied genera in Larreoideae (i.e., Porlieria, Bulnesia, Larrea, Pintoa). This study utilized multiple genetic markers and a broader sampling of taxa than previous studies of this group. Incongruent tree topologies between chloroplast and nuclear markers were identified, and interpreted as indicators of ancient hybridization events among Larreoid taxa. A paraphyletic relationship among species of Bulnesia was also characterized, which supports a taxonomic revision within the genus.

Broader Impacts:

1 - Saint Xavier University, Biological Sciences, 3700 W 103rd Street, Chicago, IL, 60655, USA
2 - NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 W Lincoln Hwy, DEKALB, IL, 60115-2861, USA

Keywords:
Guaiacum
Zygophyllaceae
biogeography
Bulnesia
tropical America
conservation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 38
Location: Marlborough A/Riverside Hilton
Date: Wednesday, July 31st, 2013
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: 38004
Abstract ID:485
Candidate for Awards:None