Abstract Detail

Pteridological Section/AFS

Sprunt, Susan V [1], Bailer, John A. [2], Watson, Linda E. [3], Schneider, Harald [4], Hickey, R. James [5].

Of genes, scales and venation: Detecting patterns of variation in the Pleopeltis polypodioides species complex (Polypodiaceae).

Pleopeltis polypodioidesis a widespread Neotropical fern currently comprised of six varieties and one subspecies. This study assessed both the molecular and morphological variation found within the Pl. polypodioides complex. The generic affinities and geographic distributions of Pl. polypodioides, as well as infraspecific relationships, are explored through parsimony, maximum likelihood, and network analysis of chloroplast DNA sequences of the trnL-F region and the trnH-psbA intergenic spacer. We found evidence for seven haplotype groups of which two are sister lineages, reducing the number of recognized clades to four within the Pl. polypodioides complex. Morphologically the species boundaries were investigated by phenetic analyses of data as well as venation patterns representing specimens from across the known geographic range. Thirty morphological characters were analyzed using univariate ANOVA, principal components PCA and canonical discriminate analysis CDA. The results support six species. Diagnostic features and geographic ranges of all recognized taxa will be discussed.

Broader Impacts:

Related Links:
Miami University Botany Department

1 - Miami University, Botany, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, U
2 - Miami University, Statistics, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
3 - Oklahoma State University, Department of Botany, 104 Life Sciences East, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 74078, USA
4 - Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK
5 - Miami University, Department of Botany, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA

Keywords:
fern
morphology
phylogenetic analysis
Pleopeltis .

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 2
Location: 556B/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 11:30 AM
Number: 2014
Abstract ID:51