Botany 2003 Logo Aquatic and Wetland Plants:
Wet & Wild

26-31 July 2003

Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center Mobile, Alabama 

Free Workshop 

Specifically Designed for 
K-12 Teachers


W-3   Getting to the Roots of Plant Evolution:  Genomics and the Reconstruction Tree of Life  FREE

 Sunday, 8 am - 12 pm

Presenter:  Brent Mishler
University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California
Berkeley, Berkeley CA 94720-2465
bmishler@socrates.Berkeley.edu

Target Audience: High School Teachers & Faculty and Graduate Students

Enrollment Limit: 25 

Phylogenetic analyses using molecular and morphological data have yielded stunning results about the tree of life and how all organisms on earth are related to each other. The use of phylogenetic methods to understand evolutionary history has become a common theme throughout science. Understanding the concepts and basic methodology of these relatively new techniques is an important component of science education at the high school and undergraduate college levels.

 This workshop will provide an introduction to phylogenetic methods using examples from the green plants.  Using material that is easily accessible nationwide, we will conduct a hands on demonstration of a classroom exercise appropriate for grades 9 - 12 and introductory biology classes at the university level.  Using a simple phylogenetic analysis with morphological and genomic data, we will explore the evolutionary relationships of land plants.  Results will be used to discuss adaptation to life on land, radiation of the angiosperms, molecular evolution, and the new classification of green plants.

 This workshop will provide a foundation for students to (1) conduct a scientific investigation by collecting, categorizing, and analyzing data, (2) read and analyze data summarized in a cladogram, and (3) understand basic evolutionary concepts such as adaptation, diversification, symbiosis, and convergent evolution.

Sponsored by the National Science Foundation (Grant DEB-0090227), The Deep Gene Research Coordination Group exists to integrate green plant phylogenetics and genomics. The group is exploring ways in which comparative phylogenetic studies can inform functional genomic studies, and knowledge of plant genomes can inform the understanding of phylogenetic relationships. For more information, please visit our web site (http://ucjeps.herb.berkeley.edu/bryolab/deepgene/).

 

Questions-  Contact: Botany 2003