Dissertation Research: Molecular Systematics of Porroglossum orchids: Phylogenetics, Floral Snap-Trap Kinematics, and Fragrance

本计画将研究分布于安第斯山脉的新热带兰属Porroglossum的演化关系。Porroglossum的花是独一无二的，因为唇瓣或“唇”在触摸时会主动向内咬合，以捕获传粉者并确保成功授粉。该研究将结合联合收割机现代分子方法，高速摄像和花香采样，以获得多方面的了解群体内的进化关系及其多样化的过程。该项目将对本科生和研究生进行现代分子系统学技术培训，包括代表性不足的群体的成员，并将加强与厄瓜多尔兰花研究人员的合作。该项目旨在全面解决新热带兰花属Porroglossum内的系统发育关系。研究人员将使用简化代表性基因组测序（例如，通过测序进行基因分型）以从属内的每个物种收集大量SNP。该项目还将使用高速摄像技术来研究Porroglossum物种之间的花卉捕捉运动学。速度，加速度和动能数据将收集从高速视频的积极花卉快照陷阱和映射到完全解决的系统发育树，和系统发育信号将估计每种数据类型。最后，本研究将利用动态顶空吸附与气相层析/质谱分析技术，探讨紫舌音花香气演化的模式。

This project will study the evolutionary relationships of Porroglossum, an endangered Neotropical orchid genus are distributed in the Andes. The flowers of Porroglossum are unique because the labellum or 'lip' actively snaps inward when touched in order to trap pollinators and ensure successful pollination. The research will combine modern molecular approaches, high-speed videography, and floral fragrance sampling to gain a multifaceted understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the group and the processes underlying its diversification. This project will train both undergraduate and graduate students in modern molecular systematics techniques, including members of under-represented groups, and will enhance collaborations with orchid researchers in Ecuador.This project aims to fully resolve phylogenetic relationships within the Neotropical orchid genus Porroglossum. Researchers will use reduced representation genome sequencing (e.g., genotyping by sequencing) to collect a large number of SNPs from each species within the genus. The project also will use high-speed videography to examine floral snap-trap kinematics among species of Porroglossum. Velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy data will be collected from high-speed videos of the active floral snap-traps and mapped onto the fully resolved phylogenetic tree, and phylogenetic signal will be estimated for each data type. Lastly, this research will employ dynamic headspace adsorption and a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument to investigate the patterns of floral fragrance evolution within Porroglossum.