Collaborative Research: Systematic and ecological studies of North American Najas L. (Hydrocharitaceae)

在美国的湖泊和池塘中经常有茨藻属的沉水开花植物。 一些种类的茨藻原产于北美，而另一些则是来自欧洲的入侵者，他们占领了他们殖民的池塘。 这种植物没有特征，花很小;当它们生长在不同的环境中时，它们往往会出现不同的外观，有些物种往往会形成杂交种。 正因为如此，它们很难识别。 土地管理者通常很难确定一个特定池塘中的植物是有害的入侵者，濒危的本地物种，还是两者的杂交种。 该项目将使用DNA测序、染色体检查和先进的统计方法为土地管理人员制作识别工具。 此外，这些数据将帮助科学家了解这些水生植物是如何进化的。该项目代表了一个独特的合作伙伴关系之间的生态学家在一个主要的本科院校（米德尔伯里学院）和进化生物学家在一个博士研究机构（康涅狄格大学）。 本科生将获得生态学和进化生物学方面的跨学科培训，并将参与实地调查和实验室工作。

Lakes and ponds in the U.S. often contain submerged flowering plants in the genus Najas. Some species of Najas are native to North America, whereas others are invaders from Europe that take over the ponds that they colonize. The plants are nondescript, with tiny flowers; they often appear different when they are grown in various environments, and some species tend to form hybrids. Because of this, they are hard to identify. It is often difficult for land managers to determine whether the plants in a particular pond are the noxious invaders, endangered native species, or hybrids of the two. This project will use DNA sequencing, examination of chromosomes, and advanced statistical approaches to produce identification tools for land managers. In addition, the data will help scientists understand how these aquatic plants have evolved. The project represents a unique partnership between an ecologist at a primarily undergraduate institution (Middlebury College) and an evolutionary biologist at a doctoral research institution (University of Connecticut). Undergraduate students will acquire strong interdisciplinary training in ecology and evolutionary biology, and will be involved in both field investigations and laboratory work.