Dissertation Research: The Evolution and Systematics of the Opuntia humifusa complex (Cactaceae)

仙人掌属仙人掌是一大类植物物种，在整个美洲的各种干燥栖息地自然发生。这组的进化和系谱关系仍然知之甚少，因此，本研究将包括属中的大多数物种，以评估其进化使用先进的分子方法。在美国和加勒比海地区有一个较小的物种群，这个较小的物种群被称为仙人掌复合体。这个较小的群体将被更详细地研究，以确定该亚群成员的遗传多样性，以及可能产生新物种的过程。仙人掌的种类以其许多药用和商业用途而闻名，例如降低糖尿病患者的血糖水平，并为人和牲畜提供可食用产品。这些物种也是其生活地区的重要组成部分，为野生动物提供庇护和营养，并稳定土壤。了解这些物种的关系将使研究人员能够确定那些可能更具药用，商业和保护价值的物种。该项目将有助于了解物种的形成，并帮助科学家确定这种植物和其他植物群如何增加生物多样性。

Among cacti, the genus Opuntia is a large group of plant species occurring naturally in a variety of dry habitats throughout the Americas. The evolution and genealogical relationships of this group remains poorly understood; consequently, this study will include the majority of species in the genus to assess their evolution using advanced molecular methods. A smaller group of species occurs in the United States and the Caribbean, this smaller group is known as the Opuntia humifusa complex. This smaller group will be studied in more detail to determine the genetic diversification of the member of this subgroup and what are the processes that potential give rise to new specie. Species of Opuntia are known for their many medicinal and commercial uses, such as to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics and to provide edible products for people and livestock. These species also are important components of the areas in which they live, providing shelter and nourishment for wildlife and soil stabilization. Understanding relationships of these species will allow researchers to pinpoint those that may be of more medicinal, commercial, and conservation value. This project will allow for the understanding of species formation and help scientists determine how this and other groups of plants may add to biodiversity.