9306943 Givinish This research involves a molecular systematic study of the monocot plant family Rapateaceae. Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation will be examined using both restriction site maps and nucleotide sequences of the ndh F gene and rbc L atp B spacer. These data will be used to derive a molecular phylogeny, and this phylogeny will be sued to interpret morphological changes and the distribution and ecology of the family in both Africa and South America. %%% The family Rapateaceae presents several opportunities for research on various questions involving adaptation. In this family there are several pollination systems involving bees, hummingbirds, flies, and weevils, and it is unknown whether species that share similar pollinators and flowers are closely related. Broader relationships of the Rapateaceae and Bromeliaceae are of interest to plant biologists, and different morphological features support alternative hypotheses. A molecular phylogeny will provide a test of these hypotheses. Finally, this research will contribute to one of the world's largest live plant and frozen plant tissue collections. This collection will be a major contribution to the plant biology community.
