Project Detail

Evolutionary history of relict serpentine populations of Knautia arvensis s.l. (Dipsacaceae) in Central Europe

Name:	Evolutionary history of relict serpentine populations of Knautia arvensis s.l. (Dipsacaceae) in Central Europe
Researchers:	Trávníček Pavel (co-researcher)
Provider:	GAAV
Realization from:	2006
Realization to:	2008
Summary:	The project is aimed at elucidation of evolutionary history and differentiation of relict insular-like serpentine populations of Knautia arvensis s.l., and their relationships with widespread non-serpentine counterparts (both groups contain 2x and 4x cytotypes). Wide array of current biosystematics techniques (AFLP, cpDNA haplotyping, flow cytometry, multivariate and geometric morphometrics) will be adopted. Independent evolution and polyploidization on serpentine soils is raised as the basic hypothesis to be tested. Additional hitherto neglected issues cover comprehesive population cytotype screening, potential gene flow between serpentine and non-serpentine polyploids, and evaluation of morphological variation in relation to phylogenetic position and ploidy level. Collectively, the gathered data will contribute to more exact understanding of both evolutionary history and current processes shaping the population structure of endemic taxon of the Czech flora (incl. risk assessment).