Date of Award:
8-2021
Document Type:
Dissertation
Degree Name:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department:
Biology
Committee Chair(s)
Zachariah Gompert
Committee
Zachariah Gompert
Committee
Paul G. Wolf
Committee
William D. Pearse
Committee
Karen Mock
Committee
Karen Kaphiem
Committee
Michael Sundue
Abstract
The history of life is often viewed as a evenly branching tree; however, in reality it is more like a tangled hedgerow. Many groups of organisms are known to have such a net-like or reticulate evolutionary history, but it is particularly common in ferns and lycophytes (also known as pteridophytes). This dissertation investigates how net-like evolution affects different groups of ferns, with a special emphasis on the model species C-fern (Ceratopteris richardii, also called the antler or water sprite fern). Genomic data are utilized to under-stand hybridization, cryptic species and reticulate evolution in two groups of ferns. The C-fern is shown to be a potential hybrid species, which has important implications for future research using this model organism.
Checksum
cc30681db173769c5974f52f0755960b
Recommended Citation
Kinosian, Sylvia P., "Insights on Reticulate Evolution in Ferns, with Special Emphasis on the Genus Ceratopteris" (2021). All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023. 8159.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/8159
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