REVSYS: Systematics and Evolution of the "Pacific Rim Clade" of Sphagnum section Subsecunda

这项建议为苔藓属泥炭苔藓的分类和多样性研究提供了资金。这项研究的重点是泥炭苔藓的一个谱系，主要出现在从加利福尼亚州北到阿拉斯加，南到日本和中国的“环太平洋”地区，包括大约15-20个物种。这项工作使用来自DNA序列和高度可变的微卫星基因的数据来确定物种的数量以及如何区分它们。我们将提出一系列假设，阐明个体物种在哪里生长，植物如何繁殖，有性繁殖和无性繁殖的频率和效果。一个成果将是对环太平洋地区的泥炭藓物种进行彻底的分类处理，并提供插图和其他资源，以便能够准确地识别物种。该提案还资助了泥炭藓物种鉴定研讨会，目标是进行植被调查的湿地生态学家和业余科学家，他们中的许多人为环境非政府组织工作。泥炭藓主导的泥炭地对全球气候、区域水文以及许多其他生物、植物、动物和微生物的发生有着深远的影响。生态系统功能(生产力、分解、矿物质和营养物质的移动)由那里的物种组合决定，最近的生物地球化学研究表明，不同的泥炭藻属物种具有显著不同的化学性质和其他影响泥炭地功能的特性。出于这个原因，明确的物种界限对于理解它们的生态影响至关重要。这项研究使用现代分子方法，结合实地和基于标本的研究，为评估泥炭苔藓在全球生物圈中的作用提供了必要的合理分类处理。

This proposal funds research on the taxonomy and diversification of the moss genus Sphagnum, also known as peat mosses. The research focuses on a lineage of peat mosses that occur primarily in the "Pacific Rim" region from California north to Alaska and south to Japan and China, and includes about 15-20 species. The work uses data from DNA sequences and highly variable microsatellite genes to determine how many species there are and how to tell them apart. A series of hypotheses are to be addressed, clarifying exactly where individual species grow, how the plants reproduce, and the frequency and efficacy of sexual and asexual reproduction. One outcome will be a thorough taxonomic treatment for the Pacific Rim species of Sphagnum, with illustrations and other resources to permit accurate identifications of species. The proposal also funds workshops on identification of Sphagnum species, targeting wetland ecologists doing vegetation surveys and amateur scientists, many of whom work for environmental NGOs.Sphagnum-dominated peatlands have profound effects on global climate, regional hydrology, and the occurrence of many other organisms, plant, animal, and microbial. Ecosystem function (productivity, decomposition, movement of minerals and nutrients) is determined by the suite of species that occur there, and recent biogeochemical studies indicate that different Sphagnum species have significantly different chemistries and other properties that affect peatland function. For that reason, clear species circumscriptions are critical to understanding their ecological impacts. This research uses modern molecular approaches, coupled with field and specimen-based research, to provide a sound taxonomic treatment essential for evaluating the role of peat mosses in the global biosphere.