ID: 613 / 84

Category: Symposia

Track: Pending

Proposed Symposium Title: FROM MULBERRIES TO FIGS: STUDIES IN THE EVOLUTION OF MORACEAE

Abstract: The ca. 1,200 members of the Moraceae span nearly every habitat and biogeographic area, with centers of diversity in the tropics. This ecologically important family, home to the ca. 800 species of Ficus, also contains economically important food, fiber, and timber crops. With habits ranging from herbs to trees to lianas, and with tiny flowers arranged in a dazzling array of inflorescence architectures, the classification of Moraceae has been as difficult as their evolution is compelling. Recent advances in molecular tools have resulted in a new clarity regarding phylogenetic relationships in Moraceae, in turn enabling systematic explorations of evolutionary patterns in the family. This symposium will explore ongoing evolutionary and taxonomic research in the Moraceae, including an updated classification, morphological evolution, and the co-diversification of figs with their wasp pollinators. Submissions focusing on any clade in Moraceae are welcome, on topics including systematics, ecology, reproductive biology, ethnobotany, and others.

Speaker 1: Elliot Gardner Florida International University egardner@fiu.edu An updated classification of Moraceae supported by stable phylogenomic hypotheses

Speaker 2: Nicole Miditieri Rivera University of Wisconsin Madison mitidieririv@wisc.edu Revisiting C.C. Berg and E.J.H. Corner’s treatments of Moraceae: understanding the role of morphology in the evolution of the mulberry family

Speaker 3: Jean-Yves Rasplus Université de Montpellier rasplus@orange.fr Comparing the evolutionary histories and diversification of figs (Moraceae) and pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae)

Topics (Up to three): Systematics

Topic 2: Phylogenetics and Phylogenomics

Topic 3: Reproductive Biology

Justification: Recent years have seen a renaissance of studies in the systematics and evolution of the Moraceae, home to keystone species in tropical ecology as well as economically important emerging crops. This symposium will present new research in topics of general interest, including, phylogenomics, evolution, and the co-diversification of figs and fig wasps, showcasing the work of both established and emerging researchers. In addition, the symposium will provide a forum taxonomic updates to the family, which after over twenty years of phylogenetic work are now substantial, providing a resource for collections managers who wish to keep their Moraceae up to date.