Collaborative Research: REVSYS: A revision of the sectional classification of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) and the species of section Ortholoma

这个项目将调查热带植物哥伦布属的物种的分类。这个属的成员由蜂鸟授粉，是中南美洲大多数云雾林的显著组成部分。由于没有统一的处理方法，即使对于已经命名的物种，识别大多数物种也是困难的甚至不可能的。该项目将创建一个统一的分类学处理方法，将图解、描述、识别物种的工具、照片和分布图结合在一起--以印刷形式提供，并通过在线访问提供给所有人。将使用DNA序列作为揭示定义分类组的特征的一种手段来生成整个属的修订分类。将为众多本科生和一名研究生提供培训。学生将学习系统学研究的方方面面，从提出假设和实地考察到在会议上展示结果。他们的培训和教育将是这项提议不可或缺的一部分，并有助于培训下一代植物系统学家。结果将通过发表论文和开发关于该属的网络资源向科学界和公众公布。

This project will investigate the taxonomy of species from the charismatic tropical plant genus Columnea. Members of this genus are pollinated by hummingbirds, and are a conspicuous component of most cloud forests in Central and South America. Identification of most species is difficult to impossible even for the species that are already named since there is no unified treatment. This project will create a unified taxonomic treatment that brings together illustrations, descriptions, tools for identifying species, photographs, and distribution maps - provided both in print and via on-line access to all. A revised classification for the entire genus will be generated using DNA sequences as a means of uncovering traits that define taxonomic groups. Training will be provided to numerous undergraduates and one graduate student. Students will learn all aspects of systematics research from formulating hypotheses and fieldwork to presenting results at meetings. Their training and education will be an integral part of this proposal and contribute toward training the next generation of plant systematists. The results will be presented to both the scientific community and to the general public by publishing papers and developing web-based resources for the genus.