Schuettpelz, Eric .
Toward a comprehensive phylogeny of extant ferns.
AS a consequence of the application of DNA sequence data and phylogenetic approaches to systematic studies of ferns, unprecedented progress has been made toward a full understanding of the fern tree of life. Broad-scale analyses have improved our understanding of the composition of, and the relationships among, major fern lineages. Finer-scale analyses within some of these lineages have elucidated more detailed relationships. Nonetheless, the molecular data sets assembled and analyzed to date have not been sufficient to definitively resolve all parts of the global fern phylogeny; additional data and more extensive sampling are necessary. In an effort to enhance our understanding of fern relationships, a large DNA sequence data set (4000 base pairs for 400 species) was assembled for leptosporangiate ferns. Phylogenetic analysis of these data resulted in a well-resolved and well-supported phylogeny that provides a framework for addressing large-scale evolutionary and ecological questions across ferns. In turn, the results of this and other studies together provide an impetus for a revised classification of extant ferns.[c.e.:srb]
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1 - Duke University, Department of Biology, 139 Biological Sciences Building, PO Box 90338, Durham, North Carolina, 27708, USA
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Date: Tuesday, August 1st, 2006
Time: 8:45 AM