Abstract Detail

Clarifying Early Euasterid Evolution: A Synthesis of Phylogeny, Morphology, and the Fossil Record

Soltis, Pamela S. [1], Stull, Gregory W. [2], Schori, Melanie [3], Soltis, Douglas E. [4].

Character evolution in the early diversification of euasterids (Gentianidae).

Gentianidae (euasterids) are a major clade of asterid angiosperms including ca. 80,000 species divided somewhat evenly between two major clades (Lamiidae and Campanulidae). Relationships within Gentianidae (and particularly the Lamiidae subclade) have been difficult to resolve, hindering studies of character evolution in the early diversification of this major clade. However, recent studies have greatly clarified phylogenetic relationships within Gentianidae, in particular the branching order toward the base of the lamiid clade. Here we use our improved understanding of Gentianidae phylogeny to investigate early character evolution in this clade. Building on the phylogeny of Stull et al. (2015), we reconstruct the evolution of multiple characters previously emphasized in the classification of asterids (e.g., unitegmic vs. bitegmic ovules, crassinucellate vs. tenuinucellate ovules, cellular vs. nuclear endosperm, bicellular vs. tricellular pollen, presence vs. absence of iridoids, and distributions of specific iridoid compounds). We discuss the significance of our reconstructions for identifying synapomorphies of major clades (e.g., Lamiidae and Campanulidae) and for establishing a context to investigate subsequent radiations within Gentianidae (e.g., the core lamiids, Lamiales, Asteraceae).

1 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, PO BOX 117800, Gainesville, FL, 32611-7800, USA, 352/273-1964
2 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural HIstory, Dickinson Hall, Museum Rd. And Newel Dr., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
3 - Ohio University, 315 Porter Hall, Athens, OH, 45701, USA
4 - University Of Florida, Florida Museum Of Natural History, 1659 Museum Rd., Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

Keywords:
Asterids
Gentianidae
character evolution
Icacinaceae
Aquifoliales
Lamiidae
Campanulidae.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Session: C3, Clarifying early euasterid evolution: A synthesis of phylogeny, morphology, and the fossil record
Location: Chatham Ballroom - C/Savannah International Trade and Convention Center
Date: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2016
Time: 8:30 AM
Number: C3002
Abstract ID:671
Candidate for Awards:None