Genetics and Genomics Commons^™

Reevaluating The Occurrence And Phylogeny Of The Pigtoe Unionid Mussels Fusconaia Askewi, Fusconaia Lananensis, Fusconaia Flava, And Pleurobema Riddelli In Texas, Charles J. Pratt

Biology Theses

The recent development of DNA-based species classification methods has led to the revision of many morphology-based species designations as genetic data has provided new information for species delineation. Analysis of standardized DNA ‘barcoding’ gene regions has proven particularly effective in resolving the taxonomic status of taxa that display phenotypic and habitat overlap.

Freshwater Unionid and Margaritiferid mussels comprise one of the most diverse aquatic taxa in North America, but are also among the most threatened, with over 70% of the approximately 300 native species considered at-risk or in decline. Although mussels face extensive threats from anthropogenic activity, conservation efforts have …

Differentiating The Neches River Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Dasycalyx) From Its Congeners By Means Of Phylogenetics And Population Genetics, Julia Norrell

Biology Theses

This study used molecular phylogenetic methods to attempt to resolve the taxonomic status of the federally threatened East Texas-endemic wildflower, the Neches River Rose Mallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx). Hibiscus dasycalyx co-occurs with two other closely related congeners that are currently not of conservation concern: the halberdleaf rose mallow (H. laevis); and the crimson-eyed rose mallow (H. moscheutos). This study assessed the phylogeny of these three Hibiscus species, and attempted to determine if there is possible hybridization occurring between them. To this end, Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-Seq), a Next Generation Sequencing method, was used …