Integrating GIS and Phylogenetic Biogeography to Assess Species-Level Biogeographic Patterns

2011 ◽  
pp. 115-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alycia Stigall
Keyword(s):  
Species Level ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns

Floristics and biodiversity research in Australia: the 21st century

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
J. G. West
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Biodiversity Research ◽  
Australian Plant ◽  
Plant Groups ◽  
Real Challenge

Australian botany has reached the point where the vascular flora of this country is relatively well documented; we have sound basic information on what species are present, and where they occur (geographically and ecologically). The real challenge facing plant systematists now is to grasp the inspiring opportunities that exist in the areas of floristics and biodiversity research. The time has come to capitalise on the enormous existing knowledge base. This includes ‘mobilising’ the data we have and promoting potential usage by making clients aware of the quality and nature of the information. Australia has the international-level expertise and the institutional mechanisms to make this happen. We need to build political goodwill within State and Commonwealth agencies to develop strong national linkages. This would enhance the accessibility and applicability of existing baseline datasets, e.g. specimen and taxon databases should be transparently interchangeable and readily available to all potential clients. Although our basic floristic knowledge is good, our understanding of phylogenetic, evolutionary and biogeographic patterns of major Australian plant groups is lacking. Such analyses will ensure accurate predictions and advice on conservation and exploitation of elements of the flora. Future research should concentrate on understanding the processes operating at the genetic and species level in order to answer critical questions about ecosystem functioning. Modern technology will be utilised, particularly in information systems and molecular techniques. Systematists have a clear obligation under the National Biodiversity Strategy to contribute information essential to conservation of biodiversity and to land-use decision making.

ERRORS ASSOCIATED WITH HERBAGE DISSECTION ANALYSES 2. Problems of species identification

1976 ◽  
pp. 213-225
Author(s):  
I.M. Ritchie ◽  
C.C. Boswell ◽  
A.M. Badland
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Analytical Tool ◽  
Species Level ◽  
Weight Basis ◽  
Plant Identification ◽  
Leaf Fragment ◽  
Research Division ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Botanical Analysis

HERBACE DISSECTION is the process in which samples of herbage cut from trials are separated by hand into component species. Heavy reliance is placed on herbage dissection as an analytical tool ,in New Zealand, and in the four botanical analysis laboratories in the Research Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries about 20 000 samples are analysed each year. In the laboratory a representative subsample is taken by a rigorous quartering procedure until approximately 400 pieces of herbage remain. Each leaf fragment is then identified to species level or groups of these as appropriate. The fractions are then dried and the composition calculated on a percentage dry weight basis. The accuracy of the analyses of these laboratories has been monitored by a system of interchanging herbage dissection samples between them. From this, the need to separate subsampling errors from problems of plant identification was, appreciated and some of this work is described here.

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