Collaborative Research: Systematic and ecological studies of North American Najas L. (Hydrocharitaceae)

美国的湖泊和池塘里经常有水下的花属植物。一些种类的Najas原产于北美，而另一些则是来自欧洲的入侵者，占领了它们殖民的池塘。这些植物难以形容，开着微小的花；当它们在不同的环境中生长时，它们通常会出现不同的外观，有些物种倾向于形成杂交。正因为如此，它们很难被识别。对于土地管理者来说，通常很难确定一个特定池塘里的植物是有害的入侵者、濒危的本地物种，还是两者的杂交物种。该项目将利用DNA测序、染色体检查和先进的统计方法为土地管理人员制作识别工具。此外，这些数据将帮助科学家了解这些水生植物是如何进化的。该项目代表了主要本科机构（米德尔伯里学院）的生态学家和博士研究机构（康涅狄格大学）的进化生物学家之间的独特合作关系。本科生将在生态学和进化生物学方面接受跨学科的训练，并将参与实地调查和实验室工作。

Lakes and ponds in the U.S. often contain submerged flowering plants in the genus Najas. Some species of Najas are native to North America, whereas others are invaders from Europe that take over the ponds that they colonize. The plants are nondescript, with tiny flowers; they often appear different when they are grown in different environments, and some species tend to form hybrids. Because of this, they are hard to identify. It is often difficult for land managers to determine whether the plants in a particular pond are the noxious invaders, endangered native species, or hybrids of the two. This project will use DNA sequencing, examination of chromosomes, and advanced statistical approaches to produce identification tools for land managers. In addition, the data will help scientists understand how these aquatic plants have evolved. The project represents a unique partnership between an ecologist at a primarily undergraduate institution (Middlebury College) and an evolutionary biologist at a doctoral research institution (University of Connecticut). Undergraduate students will acquire strong interdisciplinary training in ecology and evolutionary biology, and will be involved in both field investigations and laboratory work.