Phylogeny, Systematics and Biogeography of the Northern Hemisphere genus Iris

鸢尾属植物是一个分布于北方的多年生草本植物属，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意义，但对其起源、进化和传播知之甚少。 威尔逊博士将研究90种代表鸢尾属植物形态和地理多样性的物种。 她将使用分子序列数据来开发一个分类，解释进化多样化导致虹膜内的主要亚群。 将确定可能的原产地，并确定重大的形态创新。 这项研究将提供一个框架内的进化虹膜，应刺激进一步的研究。在这项研究中，研究生和本科生将使用科学方法来测试进化的假设，并将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威尔逊博士的课程。 最近的一个博士学位。来自土耳其的信息将促进国际合作和知识传播。 公众将受益于介绍给社区组织和开发一个网页上的分类和这些宝贵的野花和花园植物的演变。 本研究对植物对干旱的反应和适应性研究具有重要意义。 今天，大多数鸢尾属植物都栖息在干燥、半沙漠或岩石的高海拔环境中，在季节性、干旱和极端温度增加的时期，它们可能在地中海和亚洲各地多样化。 鸢尾属植物中存在多种用于贮藏和更新生长的修饰器官（根、茎和叶），这表明对干旱的适应涉及几种独立的策略。

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.