Higher Level Phylogeny of Odonata (Insecta): Molecules, Morphology, Ecology, and Behavior

蜻蜓(蜻蜓和蜻蜓)是最早会飞的动物之一，它们的翅膀是独一无二的。它们的分布在世界范围内，但许多分类群受环境限制，使它们成为优先保护地区的宝贵指标。我们将分析尽可能多的蜻蜓亚科之间的进化关系，作为对该群进行生物学工作的基础。我们将从28S rRNA、EF-1α和线粒体基因以及形态上收集DNA序列数据。数据将使用简约法和最大似然法进行分析。该项目将在参与者中整合各种不同的背景。Kjer的专长是分子系统发生学，他试图利用形态系统学家的专长，并将他们介绍给分子方法。弗兰克·卡尔是一位牙科医生，他强调了相互独立的牙齿形态特征之间一致性的价值。梅有研究蜻蜓生态和行为的经验。这项研究将培养一名非裔美国博士生杰西卡·威尔和一名博士后助理。除了她的科学培训，威尔还在纽瓦克和卡姆登学校系统中积极工作，帮助从历史上在科学界代表性不足的群体中招收学生到罗格斯大学就读。与恐龙和鸟类一样，蜻蜓及其进化史也吸引着公众。这一进化史将为与公众讨论这些生物提供一个框架，并为我们提供一个例子，说明地球上第一个飞行的动物可能是什么样子的。作为淡水生态系统的组成部分，蜻蜓是重要的水质指标。

Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) were among the first animals to fly, and their wings are unique. Their distribution is world-wide, yet many taxa are environmentally confined, making them valuable indicators of areas of priority for conservation. We will analyze evolutionary relationships among as many subfamilies of Odonata as possible, as a foundation for biological work on the group. We will collect DNA sequence data from 28S rRNA, EF-1alpha, and mitochondrial genes as well as morphology. Data will be analyzed using parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The project will integrate a variety of differing backgrounds among its participants. Kjer's expertise is in molecular phylogenetics, and seeks to utilize the expertise of morphological systematists and introduce them to molecular methods. Frank Carle is an organismal odonatologist, stressing the value of concordance between independent morphological characters. May has experience studying the ecology and behavior of Odonata. The study will train an African-American doctoral student, Jessica Ware, and a postdoctoral associate. In addition to her scientific training, Ms. Ware is actively working in the Newark and Camden School systems to help recruit students from groups historically underrepresented in science to attend Rutgers. Like dinosaurs and birds, dragonflies and their evolutionary history appeal to the public. This phylogeny will provide a framework for discussing these organisms with the public and give us an example of what the first animal on earth to fly might have looked like. As integral components of freshwater ecosystems, Odonata are important as indicators of water quality.