Project groups

• A1 | Patterns and Processes of Cenozoic Diversification: Integration of Phylogeny and Paleoclimate Change
  • Prof. Dr. Annette Klussmann-Kolb
  • Prof. Dr. Jens O. Herrle
  • Prof. Dr. Alexandra N. Muellner-Riehl
• A2 | Cenozoic Bio-Geo-Atmosphere Dynamics: The Long Journey into the Pleistocene Icehouse
  • Prof. Dr. Andreas Mulch
  • Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Oschmann
  • Prof. Dr. Georg Zizka (SGN)
• A3 | Rapid Climate Change as Trigger of Long-term Biodiversity and Ecosystem Changes
  • Prof. Dr. André Freiwald
  • Prof. Dr. Eberhard Gischler
  • Prof. Dr. Jörg Pross

A2.16 | DRIVERS OF EVOLUTION IN BROMELIOIDEAE IN THE MATA ATLANTICA AND CERRADOS/CAMPOS RUPESTRES

The Bromeliaceae is a neotropic, species-rich family of terrestrial and epiphytic plants (58 genera/3245 species). Hence, it is a suitable model for the research of evolution of epiphytism as well as specific morphological and physiological adaptations. The Subfamily Bromelioideae (approx. 810 species) radiated relatively recently (late Miocene) within the coastal rain forest of eastern South America. However, basal representatives originate from the Andes and seasonally dry areas (Cerrado/Campos rupestres).
 
Within the framework of  the DFG project in the BiK-F Phase I, an improved and more accurate dated phylogeny of the subfamily has been developed (Daniele Silvestro). The character evolution and speciation/extinction rates have been reconstructed and the historical expansion of individual groups has been investigated.

The Project in BiK-F Phase II will be built upon previous findings by means of improved and thorough sampling, especially in the critical groups. Molecular and cytogenetic methods combined with palaeo-climatic data, biogeographic analyses as well as reconstruction of ancestral environmental conditions will provide further insights into:
 
i) the chronology of the colonization of Cerrado / Campos rupestres and Mata Atlantica
ii) the historical biogeography and
iii) the niche-evolution and the important role of island-like special habitats

Within the project, we are cooperating with Brazilian colleagues (Prof. Dr. Ana-Maria Benko-Iseppon and Prof. Dr. Marccus Alves, Recife; Elton Leme (Teresopolis); Prof. Dr. Maria Graça Wanderley, Sao Paulo; Dr. Rafaela Forzza, Rio de Janeiro).

Currently, there has also been a research project performed within the framework of the PROBRAL-program, in which the Brazilian guest researchers conducted the lab work and a joint field excursion was held in Brazil. On the part of Germany, the group of Prof. Dr. K. Weising, University of Kassel is also involved.

Team

Dr. Katharina Schulte, Researcher
Dr. Juraj Paule, Researcher
Dr. Marco Schmidt, Researcher
Dr. Daniele Silvestro, Researcher
Sascha Heller, Ph.D. student
Gerardo Steinbeisser, M.Sc. candidate
Frank Lappe, Technician