This project will employ genetic and geographic information to determine the evolutionary history of the arctic species composing the Alternifolium group of the flowering plant genus Chrysosplenium (Saxifragaceae). The use of DNA sequence data will provide a robust estimate of evolutionary relationships within Chrysosplenium, which will be used to study biological diversification within the Alternifolium group. DNA fingerprinting and geographic data will provide insights into historical population dynamics (e.g. fragmentation, expansion) and determine the impact of past climate change on the evolution of these and other arctic species.
The modern arctic flora is the product of interactions among the myriad evolutionary processes of arctic environments. Given the recency and magnitude of these processes, this region serves as a natural laboratory to study the nature of these interactions. Yet, few evolutionary studies have focused on elucidating the patterns of diversification within the arctic flora, particularly among those species endemic to North America. Studies aimed at the determination of evolutionary histories for arctic plant taxa are imperative given the potential they offer for insight into the nature of general evolutionary processes as well as the effects of future climate change on a broad range of ecosystems.
