Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Phillips, Heather [1], Landis, Jacob [2], Specht, Chelsea [3].

To Fuse or not to Fuse: Investigating the Evolution and Development of Floral Fusion in the Zingiberales.

Throughout the evolution of the angiosperm flower, developmental innovations have enabled the modification or elaboration of novel floral organs enabling subsequent diversification and expansion into new niches, for example the formation of novel pollinator relationships. One such developmental innovation is the fusion of various floral organs to form complex structures. Multiple types of floral fusion exist; each type may be the result of different developmental processes and has likely evolved multiple times independently across the angiosperm tree of life. The development of fused organs is thought to be mediated by the NAM/CUC3 subfamily of NAC transcription factors, which mediate boundary formation during meristematic development. During this talk, I will overview the need for a combined approach to investigating floral fusion traits , and show how the Zingiberales serve as an excellent model system for investigating this trait. Furthermore, I will outline the three main aims of my project, designed to investigate (1) macroevolutionary trends in floral fusion related traits, (2) the evolution of the NAM/CUC3 genes, (3) and the need for a network based analysis to identify NAM/CUC3 targets.

1 - P.O. Box 6641, Ithaca, NY, 14851, United States
2 - 90 Pendleton St, Cortland, NY, 13045, United States
3 - Cornell University, School of Integrative Plant Science and L.H. Bailey Hortorium, 502 Mann Library, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA

Keywords:
fusion
flower development
evo-devo
macroevolution
morphology.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: EVDV1, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Thursday, July 30th, 2020
Time: 10:45 AM
Number: EVDV1004
Abstract ID:185
Candidate for Awards:Katherine Esau Award