Molecular Phylogenetics and Biogeography of Endemic Elements of the Guayana Highland Flora

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Project: DEB 9981587PI: BerryInstitution: U WisconsinThe Guayana Shield in northern South America is a geologically ancient area whose soils are heavily weathered and very nutrient-poor. Scattered throughout the region are over 50 isolated table mountains called tepuis. They harbor some of the most unique and localized species of plants on earth. This study focuses on two of the largest groups of plants endemic to this region, the Rapateacea, with some 100 species, and the pitcairnioid Bromeliaceae, comprising some 150 species. Most highland members of these groups are restricted to a single mountaintop, thus providing a unique opportunity to study their evolutionary and biogeographical history, similar to oceanic islands. The project will use modern molecular techniques to study variation in the DNA sequences of these groups to determine their relationships and understand how they evolved on different mountaintops. This study will help generate models of how these groups and numerous other smaller groups of organisms that share restricted ranges on the Guayana Shield evolved over time in their tepui habitats.