Molecular phylogeny and genome size evolution of the genus Betula (Betulaceae).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Betula L. (birch) is a genus of approx. 60 species, subspecies or varieties with a wide distribution in the northern hemisphere, of ecological and economic importance. A new classification of Betula has recently been proposed based on morphological characters. This classification differs somewhat from previously published molecular phylogenies, which may be due to factors such as convergent evolution, hybridization, incomplete taxon sampling or misidentification of samples. While chromosome counts have been made for many species, few have had their genome size measured. The aim of this study is to produce a new phylogenetic and genome size analysis of the genus.

Methods

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA were sequenced for

SUBMITTER: Wang N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4866320 | biostudies-literature | 2016 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature