Tropical Biology Section
Arevalo Burbano, Rafael , Cameron, Kenneth .
Phylogenetic relationships of Mormolyca Fenzl (Orchidaceae) based on chloroplast genes and ITS.
The genus Mormolyca Fenzl belongs to the subtribe Maxillariinae, which is one of the most conspicuous and diverse groups of Neotropical orchids. Distributed from southern Mexico to Peru and northwestern Brazil, the recently expanded circumscription of Mormolyca comprises ca. 25 species. With new species remaining to be described and questionable species boundaries to be clarified, this new concept of Mormolyca represents a challenge to the plant systematist concerned with taxonomy and nomenclature of Neotropical orchids. This genus is also especially ideal for studying broader phenomena of biology, since many of the species are distinguishable by their unique floral fragrance and micro-morphology, characters assumed to play an important role in their insect pollination, through compensation or deceit. To further understand the structure, evolution, and species delimitation of Mormolyca, we construct a phylogentic hypothesis using sequence data from five chloroplast regions (rpoC1, matK gene and flanking trnK intron, atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer, and the 3' portion of ycf1) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Phylogenetic analyses support a monophyletic Mormolyca, even though relationships within the clade are at odds with current taxonomic classification. The obtained phylogeny also suggestst hat species found mostly in Central America are a monophyletic radiation derived from exclusively South American taxa. We are taking advantage of these phylogenetic hypotheses to address questions concerning the evolution of vegetative characters, floral fragrance profiles, and pollination mechanisms within Mormolyca.
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Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Location: Portland Room/Chase Park Plaza
Date: Monday, July 11th, 2011
Time: 11:00 AM