Floral Development and Phylogenetic Relationships of the Haemodoraceae

圣地亚哥州立大学的Michael Simpson博士将使用光学和扫描电子显微镜研究血麻科植物及其近亲的花发育。这项研究的目的是澄清这一群体过去的进化关系。具体目标包括：1)识别新的描述性字符；2)评估特征同源性（共同祖先的相似性）；3)确定人物祖先；4)检验进化变化的假设。该项目在利用形态测量学和数学技术来追踪形状和形式的变化方面具有创新性。形态测量数据将通过测量坐标、长度和面积参数的计算机视频图像分析系统获得。胚珠、种子和子房的发育阶段将通过建立一个相对的时间尺度来追踪，通过记录胚胎学阶段、芽在花序中的相对位置或主要花器官的长度来校准。统计程序，包括双变量图和主成分分析，将用于追踪发展变化。通过比较器官相对于已知祖先/后代关系的生长速度，将测试结构进化中可能发生的异时性（发育速度或时间的变化）。最后，将这些发育参数与生物地理、生态学和传粉机制联系起来，探讨花器官可能的适应意义。//

Flower development in the plant family Haemodoraceae and close relatives will be studied using light and scanning electron microscopy by Dr. Michael Simpson of San Diego State University. The purpose of the study is to clarify past evolutionary relationships within this group. Specific objectives include: 1) recognizing new descriptive characters; 2) assessing character homology (similarity by common ancestry); 3) determining character ancestry; and 4) testing hypotheses of evolutionary change. The project is innovative in utilizing morphometrics, mathematical techniques for tracing changes in shape and form. Morphometric data will be acquired using a computerized video image analysis system that measures coordinate, length, and area parameters. Developmental stages of ovules, seeds, and ovary will be traced by establishing a relative time scale, calibrated by recording embryological stage, the relative position of the bud in the inflorescence, or the length of major floral organs. Statistical procedures, including bivariate plots and principle components analysis, will be used to trace developmental changes. By comparing growth rates of organs relative to known ancestor/descendent relationships, the possible occurrence of heterochrony (change in rate or timing of development) in structural evolution will be tested. Finally, an attempt will be made to assess the possible adaptive significance of floral organs by correlating these developmental parameters with biogeography, ecology, and pollination mechanisms.//