Phylogeny, Systematics and Biogeography of the Northern Hemisphere genus Iris

蝴蝶花是北半球多年生草本植物的一个属，有260多种。尽管它作为一种具有很高园艺价值的植物具有重要的经济价值，但人们对它的起源、进化和传播知之甚少。威尔逊博士将对90个物种进行研究，这些物种代表了虹膜植物的形态和地理多样性。她将使用分子序列数据来开发一种分类，解释导致虹膜内主要亚群的进化多样化。可能的起源区域将被确定，重要的形态创新将被识别。在这项研究中，研究生和本科生将使用科学方法来检验进化论的假说，并学习基本的实验室技术。学生也将间接受益，因为这项研究的例子被纳入了威尔逊博士的课程。最近一位来自土耳其的博士加入进来，将促进国际合作和知识的传播。公众将通过向社区组织介绍和开发关于这些珍贵野生花卉和花园植物的分类和进化的网页而受益。这项研究与植物对干旱的反应和修饰的研究有关。今天，大多数蝴蝶花物种生活在干燥、半沙漠或多岩石的高海拔环境中，在季节性、干旱和极端温度上升的时期，它们可能在地中海和亚洲各地多样化。虹膜中存在多种用于储存和更新生长的改良器官(根、茎和叶)，这表明对干旱的适应涉及几个独立的策略。

Iris is a Northern Hemisphere genus of perennial herbs with more than 260 species. In spite of its economical importance as a plant of high horticultural value, little is known of its origin, evolution and dispersal. Dr. Wilson will research 90 species that represent the morphological and geographical diversity present in Iris. She will use molecular sequence data to develop a classification that explains the evolutionary diversification leading to major subgroups within Iris. The probable area of origin will be determined and significant morphological innovations will be identified. The study will provide a framework of evolution within Iris that should stimulate further research.During this research, graduate and undergraduate students will use the scientific method to test hypotheses of evolution and will learn basic laboratory techniques. Students will also benefit indirectly as examples from this research are incorporated into Dr. Wilson's courses. The inclusion of a recent Ph.D. from Turkey will promote international collaboration and diffusion of knowledge. The public will benefit through presentations to community organizations and development of a webpage on the classification and evolution of these valued wildflower and garden plants. This research is relevant to studies on plant responses and modifications to aridity. Most Iris species inhabit dry, semi-desert or rocky, high-altitude environments today and probably diversified across the Mediterranean and Asia during times of increasing seasonality, aridity and temperature extremes. The presence of a multiplicity of modified organs (roots, stems and leaves) for storage and renewal growth in Iris indicates that adaptation to aridity involved several independent strategies.