Event Title
Discovering the Phylogeny of the Genus Mirabilis
Location
Science Center, Bent Corridor
Start Date
9-26-2014 12:00 PM
End Date
9-26-2014 1:20 PM
Poster Number
13
Abstract
This summer I studied the phylogeny of the genus Mirabilis to try to elucidate relationships within the group and learn more about the evolution of gypsum endemic species in the clade. I isolated DNA from some individuals using PhytoPure and CTAB procedures, and sequenced parts of the nuclear ITS, matK, ndhF, and ycf1 DNA regions for over fifty individuals using PCR. I then used Geneious to edit the sequences, and created phylogenetic trees using parsimony with my data. These trees suggest that the species Mirabilis nesomii, the only known gypsum endemic Mirabilis, may be polyphyletic. The specific adaptations necessary for living on gypsum might have caused morphological convergence that led to this mistaken classification.
Recommended Citation
Olivieri, Julia, "Discovering the Phylogeny of the Genus Mirabilis" (2014). Celebration of Undergraduate Research. 22.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/cour/2014/posters/22
Project Mentor(s)
Michael Moore, Biology
Document Type
Poster
Discovering the Phylogeny of the Genus Mirabilis
Science Center, Bent Corridor
This summer I studied the phylogeny of the genus Mirabilis to try to elucidate relationships within the group and learn more about the evolution of gypsum endemic species in the clade. I isolated DNA from some individuals using PhytoPure and CTAB procedures, and sequenced parts of the nuclear ITS, matK, ndhF, and ycf1 DNA regions for over fifty individuals using PCR. I then used Geneious to edit the sequences, and created phylogenetic trees using parsimony with my data. These trees suggest that the species Mirabilis nesomii, the only known gypsum endemic Mirabilis, may be polyphyletic. The specific adaptations necessary for living on gypsum might have caused morphological convergence that led to this mistaken classification.
