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

在仙人掌中，仙人掌属是一大类植物物种，自然生长在美洲各种干燥的栖息地。这个群体的进化和系谱关系仍然知之甚少；因此，本研究将包括该属的大多数物种，使用先进的分子方法来评估它们的进化。一个较小的物种群出现在美国和加勒比地区，这个较小的群体被称为Opuntia humifusa复合体。我们将对这个较小的群体进行更详细的研究，以确定这个亚群体成员的遗传多样性，以及产生新物种的潜在过程。众所周知，这种植物具有许多药用和商业用途，例如降低糖尿病患者的血糖水平，并为人类和牲畜提供可食用的产品。这些物种也是它们所在地区的重要组成部分，为野生动物和土壤稳定提供住所和营养。了解这些物种之间的关系将使研究人员能够确定那些可能更具药用、商业和保护价值的物种。这个项目将有助于了解物种的形成，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。

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.