Dissertation Research: The Evolution and Systematics of the Opuntia humifusa complex (Cactaceae)

论文研究：仙人掌复合体（仙人掌科）的进化和系统学

• 批准号: 1011270
• 负责人: Douglas Soltis
• 金额: $ 1.35万
• 依托单位: University of Florida
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2010-09-01 至 2012-08-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1011270&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Dissertation; Research; Evolution; Systematics; Opuntia

Among cacti, the genus Opuntia is a large group of plant species occurring naturally in a variety of dry habitats throughout the Americas. The evolution and genealogical relationships of this group remains poorly understood; consequently, this study will include the majority of species in the genus to assess their evolution using advanced molecular methods. A smaller group of species occurs in the United States and the Caribbean, this smaller group is known as the Opuntia humifusa complex. This smaller group will be studied in more detail to determine the genetic diversification of the member of this subgroup and what are the processes that potential give rise to new specie. Species of Opuntia are known for their many medicinal and commercial uses, such as to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics and to provide edible products for people and livestock. These species also are important components of the areas in which they live, providing shelter and nourishment for wildlife and soil stabilization. Understanding relationships of these species will allow researchers to pinpoint those that may be of more medicinal, commercial, and conservation value. This project will allow for the understanding of species formation and help scientists determine how this and other groups of plants may add to biodiversity.

在仙人掌中，Opuntia属是一大批植物物种，自然发生在整个美洲的各种干燥栖息地中。该群体的进化和族谱关系仍然很少理解。因此，这项研究将包括属中的大多数物种，以使用晚期分子方法评估其进化。较小的物种发生在美国和加勒比海地区，这一较小的群体被称为Opuntia humifusa综合体。将更详细地研究这个较小的群体，以确定该亚组成员的遗传多样化，以及潜在引起新特定的过程是什么。 Opuntia的种类以其许多药用和商业用途而闻名，例如降低糖尿病患者的血糖水平，并为人和牲畜提供可食用的产品。这些物种也是其居住区域的重要组成部分，为野生动植物和土壤稳定提供了庇护所和营养。了解这些物种的关系将使研究人员能够指出那些可能具有更多药用，商业和保护价值的人。该项目将允许理解物种形成，并帮助科学家确定这种植物和其他植物群如何增加生物多样性。