SS 2014:

Link zum Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Phylogenomics of Nymphaeales

My actual research is focused on the plastid evolution of the early diverging angiosperm order Nymphaeales. Using high throughput sequencing methods (454 & Illumina), I sequence chloroplast genomes in order to compare gene order, distribution of variation (and phylogenetic signal), and reconstruct phylogenies with complete plastomes.

General interest and past projects

I maintain a strong interest in general phylogenetics, historical biogeography, and divergence dating. This involves the reconstruction of evolutionary relationship of lineages, the estimation of their divergence times bases e.g., on the fossil record, and the reconstruction of past distributions in this temporal framework. This enables to relate the evolution of a clade to historical events like plate tectonics, climatic changes, and the evolution of other organisms.

Past projects:

• Divergence dating of Sapindales (AG Müllner-Riehl, University of Leipzig)
• Biogeographical reconstruction of Carapa, Meliaceae (AG Müllner-Riehl, University of Leipzig)
• Historical biogeography of Araceae (AG Renner, LMU München)
• Phylogenetics and biogeography of Alocasia, Araceae (AG Renner, LMU München)
• Biodiversity assessment of epiphyte diversity in Changuinola, Panama (STRI, Panama)

Nauheimer L, Boyce PC. 2013. Englerarum (Araceae, Aroideae): a new genus supported by plastid and nuclear phylogenies. Plant Systematics and Evolution 300: 709–715. ⇒website

Nauheimer L, Metzler D, Renner SS. 2012. Global history of the ancient monocot family Araceae inferred with models accounting for past continental positions and previous ranges based on fossils. New Phytologist 195: 938–950. ⇒website

Nauheimer L, Boyce PC, Renner SS. 2012. Giant taro and its relatives: A phylogeny of the large genus Alocasia (Araceae) sheds light on Miocene floristic exchange in the Malesian region. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 63: 43–51. ⇒website

Wester S, Mendieta-Leiva G, Nauheimer L, Wanek W, Kreft H, Zotz G. 2011. Physiological diversity and biogeography of vascular epiphytes at R´ıo Changuinola, Panama. Flora 206: 66–79. ⇒website