Systematics of peninsular Malaysian scaly tree ferns (Cyatheaceae): phylogenetics, computer-aided identification and conservation
The work presented in this thesis evaluates the status of Peninsular MalaysianCyatheaceae and used molecular and morphological identification tools for the localspecies. 419 Cyatheaceae frond sample were collected from the widest possible rangeof Peninsular Malaysia to obtain material for morphology...
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| Format: | thesis |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
2017
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| Online Access: | https://ir.upsi.edu.my/detailsg.php?det=5362 |
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| Summary: | The work presented in this thesis evaluates the status of Peninsular MalaysianCyatheaceae and used molecular and morphological identification tools for the localspecies. 419 Cyatheaceae frond sample were collected from the widest possible rangeof Peninsular Malaysia to obtain material for morphology and molecular study. 15Cyathea species were identified and the species information for Peninsular Malaysiawas updated. The species was incorporated into the existing Cyatheaceae phylogenyby using four plastid regions: matK, rbcL, trnG-trnR and trnL-trnF. Bayesian MCMCanalysis of the concatenated sequence data resulted in a 50% majority rule consensustree confirm the placement of the four groups: Cyathea, Alsophila, Gymnosphaeraand Sphaeropteris in the family. However, the resulting tree representing nestedmonophyletic groups, proposing Cyatheaceae to be monogeneric, i.e., Cyathea withtwo large groups: Cyathea and Sphaeropteris. The same plastid regions were thenevaluated to develop DNA barcodes. trnL-trnF was proposed as a barcode for thisfamily as it almost satisfied the three most important criteria: primer universality,sequence quality and species discrimination. This research also developed a multiaccesskey for Cyatheaceae field identification based on fifteen taxa identified, byextensive field sampling of the currently recognised species. All of the Cyatheaceaespecies recognises in this study had also been assessed for the conservation statusbased on the IUCN Red List criteria. Nine species fall under Least Concern (LC), fourspecies are Near Threatened (NT) and two species are Vulnerable (VU). The thoroughknowledge regarding Cyatheaceae in Peninsular Malaysia gained through the workdone in this research will benefit in making appropriate conservation strategies for thesurvival of this family. Overall, the most important outcome of this research was thecombination of morphology and molecular data for the purpose of updatingtaxonomy, identification and conservation of the Cyatheaceae family in PeninsularMalaysia |
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