Dissertation Research: Molecular Systematics of Porroglossum orchids: Phylogenetics, Floral Snap-Trap Kinematics, and Fragrance

本项目将研究分布在安第斯山脉的濒危的新热带兰属--毛兰属的进化关系。紫罗兰的花是独一无二的，因为当被触摸时，唇瓣会主动向内折断，以诱捕传粉者并确保成功授粉。这项研究将结合现代分子方法、高速摄像和花香采样，以多方面了解该集团内部的进化关系和其多样化的基础过程。该项目将对本科生和研究生进行现代分子系统学技术方面的培训，包括代表不足的群体的成员，并将加强与厄瓜多尔兰科研究人员的合作。该项目旨在全面解决新热带兰科植物PorRoglossum属的系统发育关系。研究人员将使用简化的代表性基因组测序(例如，通过测序进行基因分型)来收集该属内每个物种的大量SNP。该项目还将使用高速摄像技术来研究竹节藻属物种之间的花卉捕捉器运动学。速度、加速度和动能数据将从活动的花卉捕捉陷阱的高速视频中收集并映射到完全解析的系统发育树上，并将为每种数据类型估计系统发育信号。最后，本研究将利用动态顶空吸附和气相色谱/质谱仪来研究紫球藻中花香的演化模式。

This project will study the evolutionary relationships of Porroglossum, an endangered Neotropical orchid genus are distributed in the Andes. The flowers of Porroglossum are unique because the labellum or 'lip' actively snaps inward when touched in order to trap pollinators and ensure successful pollination. The research will combine modern molecular approaches, high-speed videography, and floral fragrance sampling to gain a multifaceted understanding of the evolutionary relationships within the group and the processes underlying its diversification. This project will train both undergraduate and graduate students in modern molecular systematics techniques, including members of under-represented groups, and will enhance collaborations with orchid researchers in Ecuador.This project aims to fully resolve phylogenetic relationships within the Neotropical orchid genus Porroglossum. Researchers will use reduced representation genome sequencing (e.g., genotyping by sequencing) to collect a large number of SNPs from each species within the genus. The project also will use high-speed videography to examine floral snap-trap kinematics among species of Porroglossum. Velocity, acceleration, and kinetic energy data will be collected from high-speed videos of the active floral snap-traps and mapped onto the fully resolved phylogenetic tree, and phylogenetic signal will be estimated for each data type. Lastly, this research will employ dynamic headspace adsorption and a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry instrument to investigate the patterns of floral fragrance evolution within Porroglossum.