Origin, evolution and adaptive radiation in the genus Micromeria Benth. (Lamiaceae) in Macaronesia

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Günther Heubl
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi
• Term: from 2002 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5362348

The main objectives of this interdisciplinary project are to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships within the genus Micromeria (Lamiaceae) in the Macaronesian archipelago. To elucidate the status of the genus within the Satureja complex and to analyze the patterns of genetic diversity, hybridization, introgression, gene flow and mecchanisms of adaptive radiation. Population genetic methods will be used to assess the dispersal route and the relative importance of isnular radiation versus inter-island colonization and to test for genetic differentiation between populations of various Micromeria species. These tests will be performed at several scales: within islands, between islands, within ecological zones, and between zones. This population genetic approach, combined with phylogenetic evidence, should enable us to understand to what extent insular radiation and/or inter-island colonization have helped Micromeria in exploiting the rich ecological diversity in Macaronesia. For the phylogenetic approach sequencing of nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast DNA (trnL-trnF IGS) will be used; for population genetic studies microsatellites; ISSr-fingerprinting techniques, and possibly nuclear single-copy sequence markers will be used.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1127: Radiations - Origins of Biological Diversity
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Wolfgang Stephan