U.S.-Czech Paleobotanical Research on Tertiary Plant Disjunctions of North America and Europe

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INT 9722444 Manchester This U.S.-Czech research project between Steven Manchester of the University of Florida and Zlatko Kvacek of Charles University will examine late Eocene to early Oligocene evolution and spread of mixed mesophytic (hardwood deciduous) forests in North America and Europe. Specifically, the researchers intend to study the systematic relationships and biogeographic history of key genera shared between these floras of Europe and western North America. Coniferous and dicotyledonous species will be featured, namely: Tetraclinis (Cupressaceae), Platanus (Platanaceae), Asterocarpinus, Ostrya (Betulaceae), Tilia and Craigia (Tiliaceae), and Hooleya (Juglandaceae). The three-year collaborative effort will benefit greatly from access to important Central European botanical fossil collections that have been historically less accessible. While results are expected to clarify the phylogenetic relationships, they will also contribute to our knowledge of the role of evolution in shaping modern deciduous hardwood assemblages and climatic zonation worldwide. This paleobotanical research project fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence. ??