US-Argentina Dissertation: An Investigation of Novel Morphologies and Ecology Involved, Rapid Diversification and Trans-Oceanic Dispersal of the Legume Sesbania (Leguminosae)

0812994 Wojciechowski本论文由Farruggia先生在亚利桑那州立大学的Wojciechowski博士的指导下进行的研究，将探讨形态、生态栖息地选择和生物地理对经济上重要的豆科植物田菁进化的贡献。将在达里安·普拉多博士的主持下，与阿根廷罗萨里奥国立大学合作，在阿根廷和巴拉圭进行研究。这项研究将提供关于田菁属独特的形态、生态和生物地理的关键信息，并提供与相关豆科植物进行比较的框架。具体的研究目标包括根据形态数据和分子标记对田菁属进行全面的进化分析，测试扩散历史和关键的形态创新，并出版一本专著。对田菁属及其近亲的综合分析结果将为检验目前关于田菁属及其近亲的进化史和生物地理学的假说提供新的数据集。这项研究为扩大与阿根廷北部和巴拉圭植物机构的合作关系提供了机会，巴拉圭是一个豆科植物多样性很高的地理区域。这项研究将为田菁的进一步经济发展提供基础知识，并将探索豆科植物的植物区系成分将如何响应气候变化。这项建议将支持一名研究生的国际学位论文研究，也将为本科生提供研究机会。

0812994WojciechowskiThis dissertation research conducted by Mr. Farruggia under the direction of Dr. Wojciechowski of Arizona State University, will investigate the contribution of morphology, ecological habitat selection, and biogeography to the evolution of an economically important legume, Sesbania (Leguminosae). Research will be conducted in Argentina and Paraguay in collaboration with the National University of Rosario in Argentina under the auspices of Dr. Darien Prado. This study will provide key information on the distinctive morphology, ecology, and biogeography of Sesbania and a framework for comparison to related legumes. Specific research goals include a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of Sesbania based on morphological data and molecular markers, testing of dispersal history and key morphological innovations, and the production of a monograph. Outcomes produced from this comprehensive analysis of Sesbania will provide novel datasets for testing current hypotheses of the evolutionary history and biogeography of Sesbania and its nearest relatives. This study provides the opportunity to expand collaborative ties with botanical institutions in northern Argentina and Paraguay, a geographic region with high legume diversity. The research will provide fundamental knowledge for further economic development of Sesbania and will explore how the floristic composition of the legume will respond to climate change. This proposal will support international dissertation research for one graduate student and will also provide a research opportunity for an undergraduate student.