Hastings Natural History Reservation

16 Feb, 03 AM - 17 Feb, 08 AM

A critical determinant of the genetic diversity of species is their evolutionary past. Phylogeography, the study of geographic patterns of evolutionary lineages, provides valuable information on the genetic history of populations. Here we propose to do a geographic analysis of the patterns of genetic variation of the epiphytic lace lichen, Ramalina menziesii. First, we propose to investigate the impact of glaciations on the genetic structure of the lace lichen, testing the hypotheses that the northern and southern glacial refugia have unique haplotypes and distinct evolutionary lineages, and that sites affected by Pleistocene glaciations have lower genetic diversity. Second, we propose to study host plant co-migration by comparing the phylogeographic pattern of R. menziesii with that of its host plants Quercus lobata, Q. douglasii, and Q. garryana. This comparison would be the first of its kind for an epiphyte and its hosts. This project will make several valuable contributions. First, it will identify localized refugia and evolutionary hotspots for this taxon that will help focus future conservation efforts. Second, because of the broad distribution of this taxon, the findings should clarify hypotheses of glacial refugia in western North America, proposed by various studies. Third, by determining the location of refugia and contact zones, this work will provide insight into the ongoing phylogeographic studies of California oaks, which are species of special concern for California conservation. Most importantly, this study will provide valuable ecological information about host-plant co-migration, the extent to which lace lichen shares a phylogeographic pattern with its host species.

Visit #11949 @Hastings Natural History Reservation

Approved

Under Project # 7858 | Research

Phylogeography of Ramalina menziesii in western North America

research_scientist - University of California, Los Angeles

Reservation Members(s)

Silke Werth Feb 16 - 17, 2007 (2 days)
Silke Werth Feb 16 - 17, 2007 (2 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Bunk House Cottage 2 Feb 16 - 17, 2007