Abstract Detail

Sexual dimorphism in bryophytes: Patterns and consequences

Newton, Angela [1], Pedersen, Niklas [1].

Evolution of phyllodioicy in Garovagliaceae and Ptychomniaceae.

The Garovaglioideae and some members of the Ptychomniaceae possess male plants that develop on the leaves of female plants and are extremely dwarfed, consisting of a few scale leaves and antheridia. Gametophytically the plants in the two groups are similar, with clustered basal branching and large, dentate, plicate leaves. Morphological plasticity, which may be a reflection of the sexuality of the plants, is high in both groups. Recent progress in moss phylogenetics, in particular the inclusion of molecular data, has shown the Garovaglioideae and Ptychomniaceae to form a well supported monophyletic group basal to the majority of pleurocarpous mosses. Our morphological studies have shown that anisospory occurs in some species of this group, and studies of the various forms of dwarfing in the male plants are underway.

1 - Natural History Museum, Department of Botany, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, United Kingdom

Keywords:
Garovagliaceae
Ptychomniaceae
dwarf males
Bryophytes.

Presentation Type: Symposium
Session: 27-5
Location: Ballroom 3 (Cliff Lodge)
Date: Tuesday, August 3rd, 2004
Time: 10:15 AM
Abstract ID:564