Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of Adelanthaceae (Jungermanniales)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jochen Heinrichs (†)
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: from 2007 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 49497040

The cosmopolitan Adelanthaceae (incl. Jamesoniellaceae) is a large clade of Jungermanniales that includes some 100 species. Adelanthaceae inhabit a wide range of habitats from the lowlands up into the páramo region of the high Andes. To date, generic concepts of Adelanthaceae are largely based on morphology. Preliminary molecular-phylogenetic analyses indicate that these concepts may be polyphyletic. Based on molecular data (cp trnLtrnF- Region, atpB-rbcL-spacer, rbcL, nrITS1-5.8S-ITS2) we will analyse subdivisions of Adelanthaceae and related clades, and generate monophyletic genus circumscriptions. The new data will also allow to evaluate species concepts in Adelanthaceae and to explore the historical biogeography of Adelanthaceae and related clades based on the fossil record, present-day distributions and molecular sequence variation.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Stephan Robbert Gradstein