Abstract
The flowering plant group Sileneae (Caryophyllaceae) serve as model group for a database project which integrates taxonomic, phylogenetic, and molecular information. Statements about biodiversity rely heavily on the systematics and the taxonomy that is available for the organsim group in question. It is therefore of great importance that the taxonomy rests on solid ground and that it is easily available. In this project, we combine several gene phylogenies in order to infer phylogenetic relationships at the organsmal level. The phylogenies form the basis for the taxonomic decisions. By studying several, putatively unlinked genes in concert, we are able to detect reticulate phylogenetic patterns, for example ancient hybridizations at homoploid level or allopolyploidy. From the phylogenetic perspective, more general questions, such as the evolution of dioecy and gynodioecy, colonization of isolated island groups and the Arctic, as well as comparive studies of the evolution of reproductive characters can be studied. Our long-term goal is a total taxonomic revision of all the ca. 750 species in Sileneae, and to continuously publish the results via the database. Initially, we choose groups where the above-mentioned general problems can be studied. Cases where reticulate phylogenies are suspected are given special attention. Continued funding of a PhD student forms a large part of the project costs, but also lab costs, programming, guest researchers, etc. need funding.
Sweden