The evolutionary history of leafy liverworts: an approach using the fossil record from worldwide amber deposits

• Applicant: Dr. Kathrin Feldberg
• Subject Area: Palaeontology ; Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 428174246

The diversification of plants in time and space is subject to much controversy, especially in lineages with a poor fossil record like leafy liverworts (Marchantiophyta, Jungermanniidae). To enhance our knowledge about the evolutionary history of these plants I will study amber fossils, because Mesozoic and Cenozoic amber deposits represent the main source of well-preserved fossils. In the course of this project I will investigate large collections that are already acquired, describe new species and revise taxonomical concepts by applying established methods like geometric morphometrics. Furthermore, fossil species will be assigned to molecular phylogenetic datasets of extant species to test taxonomical concepts and to trace the evolution of morphological characters with methods like the phylomorphospace approach. To further elucidate the diversification of the liverwort flora I will use fossils as age constraints in reconstructions of divergence times based on DNA sequence variation of extant taxa. A combination of morphological and molecular data will allow for the best possible reconstruction of the appearance, diversification and evolution of this plant lineage.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants