Abstract Detail

Molecular Ecology and Evolution

Melton, Anthony [1], Wong, Gane Ka-Shu [2], Soltis, Pamela  S. [3], Soltis, Douglas [4], Gitzendanner, Matthew [5].

A Genomics Investigation of the Evolution of the Eastern Asia – Eastern North America Floristic Disjunction.

Large disjunctions in taxon distributions provide excellent opportunities to study biogeographic patterns and the processes that shape them. One of the most notable disjunctions is that of eastern Asia and eastern North America (EA-ENA). This disjunction is thought to have been formed as large temperate forests were broken apart by shifting land masses and the loss of important land bridges during the Miocene. Sixty-five angiosperm genera exhibiting this disjunct distribution have been identified. We used transcriptomes from species in 18 genera to gain new insights into how this disjunction pattern may have affected gene and genome evolution. Low-copy nuclear genes were identified using MarkerMiner and classified into GO categories. Preliminary studies have focused on seven genera (Campsis, Cotinus, Gelsemium, Nelumbo, Penthorum, Phrymus, and Saururus) for which two species are separated by the disjunction. We hypothesized that taxa of EA would exhibit greater genetic diversity due to longer branch lengths and greater species richness and species diversity identified previously in these taxa. We determined rates of evolution for many genes as a means of testing this hypothesis and determined which GO categories of genes have experienced strong natural selection. Our results suggest that many genes and their GO categories are under strong purifying selection in most taxa, with few exceptions, particularly in Nelumbo.

1 - University of Florida, Biology, P.O. BOX 118525 220 Bartram Hall, Gainesville, FL, 32611-8525, USA
2 - University of Alberta, Department of Biological Sciences, CW405, Biological Sciences Bldg. , Edmonton, AB, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
3 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA, 352/273-1964
4 - University of Florida, Dept. of Biology, 1659 Museum Road, Gainesville, Florida, 32611, United States
5 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, GAINSVILLE, FL, 32611-7800, USA

Keywords:
Floristic disjunction
genome evolution.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 40, Molecular Ecology and Evolution
Location: 102/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 9:30 AM
Number: 40007
Abstract ID:642
Candidate for Awards:Margaret Menzel Award