The Age and Origins of Arid Adaptations and Gypsum Endemism in Nyctaginaceae Inferred Using Relaxed Molecular Dating

Chloe Drummond

Location

Science Center, A209

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-27-2012 2:45 PM

End Date

4-27-2012 3:45 PM

Abstract

Exposures of the mineral gypsum are scattered in an island-like fashion throughout the Chihuahuan Desert. Despite being a difficult substrate for plants to survive on, many plant species grow only on gypsum, including several in the plant family Nyctaginaceae. To determine whether gypsum specialist plants represent ancient species or are relatively young, we infer the age of gypsum endemism in Nyctaginaceae through a molecular dating approach incorporating analyses of DNA sequences and the fossil record.

Notes

Session II, Panel 5: Family Trees: Studies of Origins in Flora and Fauna
Moderator: Keith Tarvin, Associate Professor of Biology

Major

Biology; Piano Performance

Advisor(s)

Roger Laushman, Biology
Sanford Margolis, Piano

Project Mentor(s)

Michael Moore, Biology

April 2012

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Apr 27th, 2:45 PM Apr 27th, 3:45 PM

The Age and Origins of Arid Adaptations and Gypsum Endemism in Nyctaginaceae Inferred Using Relaxed Molecular Dating

Science Center, A209

Exposures of the mineral gypsum are scattered in an island-like fashion throughout the Chihuahuan Desert. Despite being a difficult substrate for plants to survive on, many plant species grow only on gypsum, including several in the plant family Nyctaginaceae. To determine whether gypsum specialist plants represent ancient species or are relatively young, we infer the age of gypsum endemism in Nyctaginaceae through a molecular dating approach incorporating analyses of DNA sequences and the fossil record.