Dissertation Research: Geographic Radiations and Speciation in Alpine Clades of Synthyris (Plantaginaceae): A Phylogeographic Approach

这是一项评估叶绿体基因DNA序列变异的研究，以确定形态上无法区分的植物种群是否具有足够的遗传差异，从而被识别为新物种，以及导致这种差异的原因。作为一个模型，两组密切相关的高山物种在属合盖蕨（Plantinaceae）将进行遗传评估。合盖伞属叶绿体基因在种内和种间及居群内是可变的。通过比较物种间基因的变异量和物种内的遗传变化，应该可以确定物种形成期间和之后发生的遗传变化。遗传上不同的谱系的分布应该表明与地理和气候变化有关的进化过程。这项研究的结果将有助于理解导致落基山脉植物多样性的进化过程。揭示的遗传多样性模式可用于管理公共土地上的物种多样性。研究结果将发表在科学期刊上，并分发给本研究开展地区的资源管理人员。这项研究将有助于了解美国西部的生物多样性和植物地理学的基础上，在景观植物的遗传多样性的不同模式。

This is a study to assess variation in DNA sequences of chloroplast genes to determine if morphologically indistinguishable populations of plants are genetically different enough to be recognized as new species and what has contributed to this difference. As a model, two groups of closely related alpine species in the genus Synthyris (Plantaginaceae) will be genetically evaluated. Synthyris chloroplast genes are variable within and among species and populations. By comparing the amount of variation in genes among the species with genetic change within a species, it should be possible to identify genetic change that occurred during and following speciation. The distribution of genetically distinct lineages should suggest processes of evolution related to geographic and climate change.Results of this study will contribute to an understanding of the evolutionary processes that have resulted in the plant diversity of the Rocky Mountains. Patterns of genetic diversity revealed can be used to manage species diversity on public lands. Results will be published in scientific journals and distributed to resource managers in areas where this study is conducted. This research will contribute to understanding the biodiversity and biogeography of the American West based on different patterns of genetic diversity in plants on the landscape.