Elucidating the evolutionary history of a cold-temprate moss group (Racomitrium sect. Racomitrium) using long read sequence data

I am interested in understanding plant diversity. The internship project focuses on the evolution of a group of mosses distributed in arctic, subarctic and alpine habitats. The moss genus Racomitrium, specifically the sect. Racomitrium, has complex phylogenetic relationships that make it difficult to understand its evolutionary relationships. Racomitrium lanuginosum is a key plant in Northern environments due to its abundance and association with N2-fixing bacteria. The populations of this species can be found on different continents and are morphologically similar; however, recent studies using molecular markers have proved the existence of well-differentiated molecular lineages suggesting cryptic speciation. I hypothesize is that R. lanuginosum is represented by genetically differentiated taxa with similar morphological features or cryptic taxa. I will generate genomic data using PacBio HiFi sequencing. With this data, I will resolve the phylogenetic relationships of the sect. Racomitrium to identify potential molecular taxa. This knowledge will be helpful to understand evolution in Northern environments and as a starting point for biodiversity conservation actions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Juan Carlos Villarreal Aguilar

Student:

Partner:

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université Laval

Program: