General Introduction 1

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

General Introduction 1 Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2006 Ecology, evolution, and conservation of plant-animal interactions in islands Hansen, Dennis Marinus Abstract: SUMMARY In my thesis I studied aspects of ecology, evolution, and conservation of plant- animal interactions on islands. My main study site was the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius is a biodiversity hotspot, with many endemic plant and animal species and high rates of ex- tinction. Chapter 1 reviewed the global distribution, ecology and evolution of coloured nectar, a rare floral trait that is particularly widespread on islands (including Mauritius) and insular mainland habitats such as mountains. Once thought to be restricted to three endemic plants in Mauritius, we showed that this is not the case: coloured nectar is found in more than 60 species from many plant families around the world. We also discussed the evolution of coloured nectar, and speculated on its ecological function. In Chapter 2, we experimentally tested a hypothesis from Chapter 1 about the possible ecological function of coloured nectar as a signal for floral reward. We used endemic flower-visiting geckos in Mauritius as our studyor- ganism, and found strong support for the signal-hypothesis, with geckos strongly preferring coloured over clear nectar. Thus, the chapter – at least partly – solved the mystery of the Mauritian coloured nectar. Chapter 3 demonstrated that the endemic Mauritian plant Trochetia blackburniana (Malvaceae) is pol- linated by the endemic Phelsuma cepediana gecko, but that this interaction is structured by the indirect effects of proximity to patches of Pandanus (Pandanaceae) plants – a favoured microhabitat of thegeckos. Proximity to Pandanus patches lead to higher gecko visitation rates and a subsequently higher fruitset in T. blackburniana. Some studies have shown how two or more flowering plant species can positively or negatively affect each other’s reproductive success through indirect effects mediated by shared pollinators. In contrast, Chapter 3 gives a unique example of a non-flowering plant affecting the reproductive success of a neighbouring flowering plant. Chapters 4 and 5 together formed a detailed study of the pollination and the seed dispersal ecology of the critically endangered endemic Mauritian tree Syzygium mamillatum (Myrtaceae). Chapter 4 showed how weeding of invasive plant species can influence the reproductive success of S. mamillatum in the weeded habitat, based on differences in pollinator behaviour between weeded and unweeded sites. In Chapter 5, we provided the first experimental evidence of the importance of the Janzen-Connell model for seedling establishment on oceanic islands, and demonstrated how eco- logical analogue species can be used to resurrect extinct seed dispersal interactions. Chapters 6 and 7 comprised a study of the pollination and seed dispersal interactions of another critically endangered Mau- ritian endemic plant, Roussea simplex (Rousseaceae), and how an invasive ant affects both interactions detrimentally. Chapter 6 showed that endemic Phelsuma cepediana geckos currently are the sole pollina- tors and seed dispersers of R. simplex, and Chapter 7 experimentally demonstrated that a presence of the invasive ant Technomyrmex albipes at R. simplex flowers or fruits scare away the geckos, thus rendering the plant without pollinators and seed dispersers. In Chapter 8 we documented the strong negative effects of a coffee pest species on the reproductive success of the endangered Mauritian endemic plant Bertiera zaluzania (Rubiaceae). Our study highlighted another perspective to the ongoing scientific debate about coffee as a cash crop and the maintenance of biodiversity in the tropics. Most current studiesfocuson the benefits that coffee plants can derive from nearby natural habitats, and neglect to investigate thepo- tential detrimental effects of coffee pest species invading these natural habitats. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG In dieser Dissertation präsentiere ich Studien, die sich mit der Ökologie und der Evolution, als auch mit Aspekte des Naturschutzes und der Erhaltung der biologischen Vielfalt von Tier-Pflanze-Interaktionen auf ozeanischen Inseln befassen. Mein Hauptuntersuchungsstandort ist die Insel Mauritius im Indischen Ozean. Mauritius besitzt einen ausgeprägten Endemismus und eine hohe Aussterberate und wird da- her als ‘Biodiversitäts-Hotspot’ bezeichnet. Kapitel 1 umfasst ein Review über die globale Verbreitung farbigen Nektars, eines seltenen Blütenmerkmals, das besonders häufig in Pflanzen auf Inseln (u.a. auf Mauritius) und in insulären Habitaten (wie z. B. Bergspitzen) anzutreffen ist. Wir zeigten, dass dieses Blütenmerkmal in mehr als 60 Arten aus vielen verschiedenen Familien rund um den Globus vertreten ist. Wir diskutierten die Evolution farbigen Nektars und spekulierten über mögliche ökologische Funktionen. In Kapitel 2 untersuchten wir mit Hilfe eines Experiments eine aus Kapitel 1 abgeleitete Hypothese: farbiger Nektar dient als ein Signal für das Vorhandensein von Blütenprodukten. Um diese Hypothese zu testen, offerierten wir endemischen Taggeckos in Mauritius gefärbten und klaren Nektar. Die Wahlfast ausschliesslich gefärbten Nektars unterstützt die Signal-Hypothese. Unsere Veröffentlichung trägt dazu bei, das Geheimnis um mauritischen farbigen Nektar zu lüften. Wir beweisen in Kapitel 3, dass die en- demische Pflanzenart Trochetia blackburniana (Malvaceae) von der endemischen Taggeckoart Phelsuma cepediana bestäubt wird. Diese Tier-Pflanze-Interaktion wird jedoch durch indirekte Effekte beinflusst, die im Zusammenhang mit den benachbarten Pflanzenarten der Gattung Panadanus (Schraubenbaum; Pandanaceae) stehen. Pandanusarten gehören zu den geeigneten Lebensräumen der Geckos, und T. blackburniana konnte höhere Besuchsraten und einen höheren Fruchtansatz verzeichnen, wenn es in der Nähe von Pandanus wuchs. Einige Studien konnten zeigen, dass der Fortpflanzungserfolg zweier be- nachbarte Pflanzenarten indirekt, durch gemeinsame Bestäuber, von der Anwesenheit der zweiten Art beeinflusst werden kann. Im Gegensatz dazu zeigten wir in Kaiptel 3 das einmalige Beispiel, dasseine nicht-blühende Pflanze eine blühende Pflanze indirekt beeinflusst. Kapitel 4 und 5 umfassten detaillierte Studien über die Bestäubungsbiologie und Mechanismen der Samenverbreitung der stark gefärdeten en- demischen Baumart Syzygium mamillatum (Myrtaceae). Kapitel 4 beschreibte, wie sich das Entfernen von eingeführten, invasiven Pflanzenarten auf den Fortpflanzungserfolg von S. mamillatum in restauri- erten Gebieten auswirkt, ein Unterschied, der auf das Verhalten von Vögeln als Bestäuber zurückgeführt werden kann. In Kapitel 5 lieferten wir den ersten experimentellen Beweis für die Wichtigkeit des Janzen- Connell Modells über die Etablierung von Keimlingen auf einer ozeanischen Insel. Zudem demonstrierten wir, dass analoge Arten, die in ihrer ökologischen Funktion den ehemaligen, jetzt ausgestorbenen Arten nahestehen, als geeignete Samenverbreiter von S. mamillatum in Frage kommen. Die Kapitel 6 und 7 beschrieben Bestäubung und Samenverbreitung der stark gefährdeten, endemischen Pflanzenart Roussea simplex (Rousseaceae), und wie eine eingeführte Ameisenart negative Folgen auf die Reproduktion dieser Pflanze haben kann. In Kapitel 6 zeigten wir, dass der endemische Taggecko Phelsuma cepediana der einzige Bestäuber und Samenverbreiter von R. simplex ist. Kapitel 7 hingegen beweist experimentell, dass die Präsenz der invasiven Ameisenart Technomyrmex albipes auf Blüten und Früchten von R. simplex Taggeckos verscheucht, was zu einer Reduktion der Bestäubung und Samenverbreitung bei R. simplex geführt hat. In Kapitel 8 dokumentieren wir einen erheblichen, negativen Einfluss eines Kaffeeschädlings auf den Fortpflanzungserfolg der gefährdeten mauritischen Pflanzenart Bertiera zaluzania (Rubiaceae). Unsere Arbeit trägt eine weitere Perspektive zu der anhaltenden, wissenschaftlen Debatte bei, die sich mit dem Einfluss von Kaffeeplantagen auf die Erhaltung der biologischer Vielfalt in den Tropen beschäftigt. Die meisten Studien befassen sich mit den Vorteilen des Kaffeeanbaus in der unmittelbaren Umgebung von natürlichen Habitaten, wenige Arbeiten jedoch untersuchen die nachteiligen Effekte, die eingeführte Kaffeeschädlinge auf den benachbarten Lebensraum ausüben können. Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-163565 Dissertation Published Version Originally published at: Hansen, Dennis Marinus. Ecology, evolution, and conservation of plant-animal interactions in islands. 2006, University of Zurich, Faculty of Science. 2 ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND CONSERVATION OF PLANT–ANIMAL INTERACTIONS ON ISLANDS DISSERTATION ZUR ERLANGUNG DER NATURWISSENSCHAFTLICHEN DOKTORWÜRDE (DR. SC. NAT.) VORGELEGT DER MATHEMATISCH-NATURWISSENSCHAFTLICHEN FAKULTÄT DER UNIVERSITÄT ZÜRICH VON DENNIS MARINUS HANSEN AUS DÄNEMARK PROMOTIONSKOMITEE PROF. DR. CHRISTINE B. MÜLLER (VORSITZ) PROF. DR. ELENA CONTI PROF. DR. LUKAS KELLER PROF. DR. H. PETER LINDER ZÜRICH 2006 TO MY PARENTS, WHO LET ME RUN AND GET MUDDY IN THE FORESTS OF MY CHILDHOOD “I trust that these, and all other friends who have been in any way interested in my travels and collections, may derive from the perusal of my book, some faint reflexion of the pleasures I myself enjoyed amid the scenes and objects it describes.” – Wallace, ‘Malay Archipelago’, 1869 CONTENTS
Recommended publications
  • "National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National Summary."
    Intro 1996 National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands The Fish and Wildlife Service has prepared a National List of Vascular Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: 1996 National Summary (1996 National List). The 1996 National List is a draft revision of the National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands: 1988 National Summary (Reed 1988) (1988 National List). The 1996 National List is provided to encourage additional public review and comments on the draft regional wetland indicator assignments. The 1996 National List reflects a significant amount of new information that has become available since 1988 on the wetland affinity of vascular plants. This new information has resulted from the extensive use of the 1988 National List in the field by individuals involved in wetland and other resource inventories, wetland identification and delineation, and wetland research. Interim Regional Interagency Review Panel (Regional Panel) changes in indicator status as well as additions and deletions to the 1988 National List were documented in Regional supplements. The National List was originally developed as an appendix to the Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States (Cowardin et al.1979) to aid in the consistent application of this classification system for wetlands in the field.. The 1996 National List also was developed to aid in determining the presence of hydrophytic vegetation in the Clean Water Act Section 404 wetland regulatory program and in the implementation of the swampbuster provisions of the Food Security Act. While not required by law or regulation, the Fish and Wildlife Service is making the 1996 National List available for review and comment.
    [Show full text]
  • Reintroduction of the Telfair's Skink to Gunner's Quoin, Mauritius
    The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN or any of the funding organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN. Published by: IUCN/SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group & Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi Copyright: © 2018 IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorized without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holder. Citation: Soorae, P. S. (ed.) (2018). Global Reintroduction Perspectives: 2018. Case studies from around the globe. IUCN/SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland and Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, UAE. xiv + 286pp. 6th Edition ISBN: 978-2-8317-1901-6 (PDF) 978-2-8317-1902-3 (print edition) DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2018.08.en Cover photo: Clockwise starting from top-left: I. Reticulated python, Singapore © ACRES II. Trout cod, Australia © Gunther Schmida (Murray-Darling Basin Authority) III. Yellow-spotted mountain newt, Iran © M. Sharifi IV. Scimitar-horned oryx, Chad © Justin Chuven V. Oregon silverspot butterfly, USA © U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VI. Two-colored cymbidium orchid, Singapore © Tim Wing Yam VII. Mauritius fody, Mauritius © Jacques de Spéville Cover design & layout by: Pritpal S.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of Milkweeds (Asclepias, Family Apocynaceae) in Texas
    Identification of Milkweeds (Asclepias, Family Apocynaceae) in Texas Texas milkweed (Asclepias texana), courtesy Bill Carr Compiled by Jason Singhurst and Ben Hutchins [email protected] [email protected] Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas and Walter C. Holmes [email protected] Department of Biology Baylor University Waco, Texas Identification of Milkweeds (Asclepias, Family Apocynaceae) in Texas Created in partnership with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Design and layout by Elishea Smith Compiled by Jason Singhurst and Ben Hutchins [email protected] [email protected] Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas and Walter C. Holmes [email protected] Department of Biology Baylor University Waco, Texas Introduction This document has been produced to serve as a quick guide to the identification of milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) in Texas. For the species listed in Table 1 below, basic information such as range (in this case county distribution), habitat, and key identification characteristics accompany a photograph of each species. This information comes from a variety of sources that includes the Manual of the Vascular Flora of Texas, Biota of North America Project, knowledge of the authors, and various other publications (cited in the text). All photographs are used with permission and are fully credited to the copyright holder and/or originator. Other items, but in particular scientific publications, traditionally do not require permissions, but only citations to the author(s) if used for scientific and/or nonprofit purposes. Names, both common and scientific, follow those in USDA NRCS (2015). When identifying milkweeds in the field, attention should be focused on the distinguishing characteristics listed for each species.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service
    Thursday, February 27, 2003 Part II Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation or Nondesignation of Critical Habitat for 95 Plant Species From the Islands of Kauai and Niihau, HI; Final Rule VerDate Jan<31>2003 13:12 Feb 26, 2003 Jkt 200001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\27FER2.SGM 27FER2 9116 Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 39 / Thursday, February 27, 2003 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR units designated for the 83 species. This FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul critical habitat designation requires the Henson, Field Supervisor, Pacific Fish and Wildlife Service Service to consult under section 7 of the Islands Office at the above address Act with regard to actions carried out, (telephone 808/541–3441; facsimile 50 CFR Part 17 funded, or authorized by a Federal 808/541–3470). agency. Section 4 of the Act requires us SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RIN 1018–AG71 to consider economic and other relevant impacts when specifying any particular Background Endangered and Threatened Wildlife area as critical habitat. This rule also and Plants; Final Designation or In the Lists of Endangered and determines that designating critical Nondesignation of Critical Habitat for Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12), there habitat would not be prudent for seven 95 Plant Species From the Islands of are 95 plant species that, at the time of species. We solicited data and Kauai and Niihau, HI listing, were reported from the islands comments from the public on all aspects of Kauai and/or Niihau (Table 1).
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Weeds of Coastal Plains and Heathy Forests Bioregions of Victoria Heading in Band
    Advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria Heading in band b Advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria Heading in band Advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria Contents Introduction 1 Purpose of the list 1 Limitations 1 Relationship to statutory lists 1 Composition of the list and assessment of taxa 2 Categories of environmental weeds 5 Arrangement of the list 5 Column 1: Botanical Name 5 Column 2: Common Name 5 Column 3: Ranking Score 5 Column 4: Listed in the CALP Act 1994 5 Column 5: Victorian Alert Weed 5 Column 6: National Alert Weed 5 Column 7: Weed of National Significance 5 Statistics 5 Further information & feedback 6 Your involvement 6 Links 6 Weed identification texts 6 Citation 6 Acknowledgments 6 Bibliography 6 Census reference 6 Appendix 1 Environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria listed alphabetically within risk categories. 7 Appendix 2 Environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria listed by botanical name. 19 Appendix 3 Environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria listed by common name. 31 Advisory list of environmental weeds of coastal plains and heathy forests bioregions of Victoria i Published by the Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment Melbourne, March2008 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2009 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
    [Show full text]
  • Coleeae: Crescentieae: Oroxyleae
    Gasson & Dobbins - Trees versus lianas in Bignoniaceae 415 Schenck, H. 1893. Beitriige zur Anatomie Takhtajan, A. 1987. Systema Magnoliophy­ der Lianen. In: A.F.W. Schimper (ed.): torum. Academia Scientiarum U.R.S.S., 1-271. Bot. Mitt. aus den Tropen. Heft Leningrad. 5, Teil2. Gustav Fischer, Jena. Wheeler, E.A., R.G. Pearson, C.A. La Spackman, W. & B.G.L. Swamy. 1949. The Pasha, T. Zack & W. Hatley. 1986. Com­ nature and occurrence of septate fibres in puter-aided Wood Identification. Refer­ dicotyledons. Amer. 1. Bot. 36: 804 (ab­ ence Manual. North Carolina Agricultural stract). Research Service Bulletin 474. Sprague, T. 1906. Flora of Tropical Africa. Willis, J. C. 1973. A dictionary of the flower­ Vol. IV, Sect. 2, Hydrophyllaceae to. Pe­ ing plants. Revised by H. K. Airy Shaw. daliaceae. XCVI, Bignoniaceae: 512-538. 8th Ed. Cambridge Univ. Press. Steenis, C.G.G.J. van. 1977. Bignoniaceae. Wolkinger, F. 1970. Das Vorkommen leben­ In Flora Malesiana I, 8 (2): 114-186. der Holzfasem in Striiuchem und Bliumen. Sijthoff & Noordhoff, The Netherlands. Phyton (Austria) 14: 55-67. Stem, W. L. 1988. Index Xylariorum 3. In­ Zimmermann, M.H. 1983. Xylem structure stitutional wood collections of the world. and the ascent of sap. Springer Verlag, IAWA Bull. n.s. 9: 203-252. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo. APPENDIX The species examined are listed below. The country or geographical region of origin is that from which the specimen came, not necessarily its native habitat. If the exact source of the specimen is not known, but the native region is, this is in parentheses.
    [Show full text]
  • Newsletter Number 29 September 1992 New Zealand Botanical Society Newsletter Number 29 September 1992
    NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NUMBER 29 SEPTEMBER 1992 NEW ZEALAND BOTANICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER NUMBER 29 SEPTEMBER 1992 CONTENTS News NZ Bot Soc News Call for nominations 2 New Zealand Threatened Indigenous Vascular Plant List .2 Regional Bot Soc News Auckland 5 Canterbury 6 Nelson 6 Rotorua 7 Waikato 7 Wellington 8 Obituary Margot Forde 8 Other News Distinguished New Zealand Scientist turns 100 9 Government Science structures reorganised 10 New Department consolidates Marine Science strengths 10 Notes and Reports Plant records Conservation status of titirangi (Hebe speciosa) 11 Senecio sterquilinus Ornduff in the Wellington Ecological District ....... 16 Trip reports Ecological Forum Excursion to South Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego (2) .... 17 Tangihua Fungal Foray, 20-24 May 1992 19 Biography/Bibliography Biographical Notes (6) Peter Goyen, an addition 20 Biographical Notes (7) Joshua Rutland 20 New Zealand Botanists and Fellowships of the Royal Society 22 Forthcoming Meetings/Conferences Lichen Techniques Workshop 22 Forthcoming Trips/Tours Seventh New Zealand Fungal Foray 22 Publications Checklist of New Zealand lichens 23 The mosses of New Zealand, special offer 24 Book review An illustrated guide to fungi on wood in New Zealand 25 Letters to the Editor New Zealand Botanical Society President: Dr Eric Godley Secretary/Treasurer: Anthony Wright Committee: Sarah Beadel, Ewen Cameron, Colin Webb, Carol West Address: New Zealand Botanical Society C/- Auckland Institute & Museum Private Bag 92018 AUCKLAND Subscriptions The 1992 ordinary and institutional subs are $14 (reduced to $10 if paid by the due date on the subscription invoice). The 1992 student sub, available to full-time students, is $7 (reduced to $5 if paid by the due date on the subscription invoice).
    [Show full text]
  • Rapid Degradation of a Mauritian Rainforest Following the First 60 Years
    Rapid degradation of a Mauritian rainforest following the first 60 years of plant invasion M alika V irah-Sawmy,John M auremootoo,Doreen M arie,Saoud M otala and J ean-Claude S evathian Abstract Biological invasions by non-indigenous species (Vitousek et al., 1987; Vitousek, 1990; Ehrenfeld et al., 2001) are widely recognized as an important threat to biodiver- and hydrological cycles (Dyer & Rice, 1999; Zavaleta, 2000), sity. However, the dimension, magnitude and mechanism trophic structure and disturbance intensity and frequency of the impacts of invasive species remains poorly under- (D’Antonio, 2000; Brooks et al., 2004). stood. We assessed the role of invasive plants by compar- However, the magnitude of the impacts of most invasive ing vegetation changes that occurred between 1939 and species remains poorly documented and difficult to quan- 1999, a snapshot period that coincides with the onset of tify (Hulme, 2003). Of central importance, we still do not invasion, in Macabe´ Reserve in Mauritius. This Reserve know whether the positive correlation between native was described as biotically homogeneous in 1939. In both species decline and invasive species dominance in many surveys all native trees (. 10 DBH) were recorded from 10 ecosystems is cause or effect (Gurevitch & Padilla, 2004; 2 1,000 m random plots. In 1999 the mean richness of plant Didham et al., 2005) or whether invasive species ‘actively species in plots was significantly lower: 15 species com- suppress or exclude subordinates (natives) by lowering pared to 28 in 1939. The density and basal area of native resource availability to levels that only they can tolerate ..
    [Show full text]
  • South American Cacti in Time and Space: Studies on the Diversification of the Tribe Cereeae, with Particular Focus on Subtribe Trichocereinae (Cactaceae)
    Zurich Open Repository and Archive University of Zurich Main Library Strickhofstrasse 39 CH-8057 Zurich www.zora.uzh.ch Year: 2013 South American Cacti in time and space: studies on the diversification of the tribe Cereeae, with particular focus on subtribe Trichocereinae (Cactaceae) Lendel, Anita Posted at the Zurich Open Repository and Archive, University of Zurich ZORA URL: https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-93287 Dissertation Published Version Originally published at: Lendel, Anita. South American Cacti in time and space: studies on the diversification of the tribe Cereeae, with particular focus on subtribe Trichocereinae (Cactaceae). 2013, University of Zurich, Faculty of Science. South American Cacti in Time and Space: Studies on the Diversification of the Tribe Cereeae, with Particular Focus on Subtribe Trichocereinae (Cactaceae) _________________________________________________________________________________ Dissertation zur Erlangung der naturwissenschaftlichen Doktorwürde (Dr.sc.nat.) vorgelegt der Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät der Universität Zürich von Anita Lendel aus Kroatien Promotionskomitee: Prof. Dr. H. Peter Linder (Vorsitz) PD. Dr. Reto Nyffeler Prof. Dr. Elena Conti Zürich, 2013 Table of Contents Acknowledgments 1 Introduction 3 Chapter 1. Phylogenetics and taxonomy of the tribe Cereeae s.l., with particular focus 15 on the subtribe Trichocereinae (Cactaceae – Cactoideae) Chapter 2. Floral evolution in the South American tribe Cereeae s.l. (Cactaceae: 53 Cactoideae): Pollination syndromes in a comparative phylogenetic context Chapter 3. Contemporaneous and recent radiations of the world’s major succulent 86 plant lineages Chapter 4. Tackling the molecular dating paradox: underestimated pitfalls and best 121 strategies when fossils are scarce Outlook and Future Research 207 Curriculum Vitae 209 Summary 211 Zusammenfassung 213 Acknowledgments I really believe that no one can go through the process of doing a PhD and come out without being changed at a very profound level.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Complete Work
    © The Authors, 2015. Journal compilation © Australian Museum, Sydney, 2015 Records of the Australian Museum (2015) Vol. 67, issue number 7, pp. 207–224. ISSN 0067-1975 (print), ISSN 2201-4349 (online) http://dx.doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.67.2015.1649 Taxonomic Resolution to the Problem of Polyphyly in the New Caledonian Scincid Lizard Genus Lioscincus (Squamata: Scincidae) ROSS A. SADLIER1*, AarON M. BAUER2, GLENN M. SHEA3,1 AND SaraH A. SMITH1 1 Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney NSW 2010, Australia 2 Department of Biology, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States of America 3 Faculty of Veterinary Science B01, University of Sydney NSW 2006, Australia ABSTRACT. Recent genetic studies have identified the New Caledonian scincid genus Lioscincus to be polyphyletic, comprising four distinct evolutionary lineages which we recognize at the generic level. The revised concept of Lioscincus s.s. now includes only the type species Lioscincus steindachneri Bocage, 1873 and the recently described Lioscincus vivae Sadlier, Bauer, Whitaker & Smith, 2004. The three remaining lineages identified are:Leiolopisma tillieri Ineich & Sadlier, 1991 and Lioscincus maruia Sadlier, Whitaker & Bauer, 1998 for which the genus Phasmasaurus gen. nov. is proposed; Lygosoma (Mocoa) nigrofasciolatus Peters, 1869 and Leiolopisma greeri Böhme, 1979 for which the genus Epibator gen. nov. is proposed; and Lygosoma (Leiolopisma) novaecaledoniae Parker, 1926 for which the genus Caesoris gen. nov. is proposed. Each of these genera is diagnosed by a suite of morphological apomorphies which in combination is unique within the Eugongylus group of skinks of which each is a member.
    [Show full text]
  • The Island Rule and Its Application to Multiple Plant Traits
    The island rule and its application to multiple plant traits Annemieke Lona Hedi Hendriks A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecology and Biodiversity Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand 2019 ii “The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder” Ralph W. Sockman. iii iv General Abstract Aim The Island Rule refers to a continuum of body size changes where large mainland species evolve to become smaller and small species evolve to become larger on islands. Previous work focuses almost solely on animals, with virtually no previous tests of its predictions on plants. I tested for (1) reduced floral size diversity on islands, a logical corollary of the island rule and (2) evidence of the Island Rule in plant stature, leaf size and petiole length. Location Small islands surrounding New Zealand; Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell, Chatham, Kermadec, Lord Howe, Macquarie, Norfolk, Snares, Stewart and the Three Kings. Methods I compared the morphology of 65 island endemics and their closest ‘mainland’ relative. Species pairs were identified. Differences between archipelagos located at various latitudes were also assessed. Results Floral sizes were reduced on islands relative to the ‘mainland’, consistent with predictions of the Island Rule. Plant stature, leaf size and petiole length conformed to the Island Rule, with smaller plants increasing in size, and larger plants decreasing in size. Main conclusions Results indicate that the conceptual umbrella of the Island Rule can be expanded to plants, accelerating understanding of how plant traits evolve on isolated islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Vascular Plant Species with Documented Or Recorded Occurrence in Placer County
    A PPENDIX II Vascular Plant Species with Documented or Reported Occurrence in Placer County APPENDIX II. Vascular Plant Species with Documented or Reported Occurrence in Placer County Family Scientific Name Common Name FERN AND FERN ALLIES Azollaceae Mosquito fern family Azolla filiculoides Pacific mosquito fern Dennstaedtiaceae Bracken family Pteridium aquilinum var.pubescens Bracken fern Dryopteridaceae Wood fern family Athyrium alpestre var. americanum Alpine lady fern Athyrium filix-femina var. cyclosorum Lady fern Cystopteris fragilis Fragile fern Polystichum imbricans ssp. curtum Cliff sword fern Polystichum imbricans ssp. imbricans Imbricate sword fern Polystichum kruckebergii Kruckeberg’s hollyfern Polystichum lonchitis Northern hollyfern Polystichum munitum Sword fern Equisetaceae Horsetail family Equisetum arvense Common horsetail Equisetum hyemale ssp. affine Scouring rush Equisetum laevigatum Smooth horsetail Isoetaceae Quillwort family Isoetes bolanderi Bolander’s quillwort Isoetes howellii Howell’s quillwort Isoetes orcuttii Orcutt’s quillwort Lycopodiaceae Club-moss family Lycopodiella inundata Bog club-moss Marsileaceae Marsilea family Marsilea vestita ssp. vestita Water clover Pilularia americana American pillwort Ophioglossaceae Adder’s-tongue family Botrychium multifidum Leathery grapefern Polypodiaceae Polypody family Polypodium hesperium Western polypody Pteridaceae Brake family Adiantum aleuticum Five-finger maidenhair Adiantum jordanii Common maidenhair fern Aspidotis densa Indian’s dream Cheilanthes cooperae Cooper’s
    [Show full text]