The Proteaceae are a diverse group of plants dating back to the Cretaceous Period, now dispersed among the southern continents by the break-up of the Mesozoic continent Gondwana. New data on modern and fossil pollen will be gathered using light and electron microscopy. For the first time, the ancestor- descendant relationships within the family will be assessed by combining pollen data with information on the morphology, anatomy, and cytology of the whole plants. The proposed research will expand our understanding of the evolution and geographic history of the family during continental drift, and will clarify its relationships with other families of plants. The use of multiple datasets in assessing relationships will also illuminate the process of character evolution.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Environmental Biology (DEB)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
8620456
Program Officer
Penelope L. Firth
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1987-06-15
Budget End
1990-11-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
$194,903
Indirect Cost
Name
Depaul University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60604