Project Overview - Evolution of Sex Chromosomes in Flowering Plants

Only seven percent of plant species have separate male and female individuals, and like animals, male and female plants also exhibit differences such as growth rates or the production of chemicals used to deter insects. Our research aims to understand how these gender differences influence chromosomal evolution and arthropod biodiversity in poplars and willows, the most abundant trees and shrubs in many parts of the US and China. All poplars and willows have separate male and female individuals, and because they are they are important foundation species for ecosystem function, understanding differences between the two sexes provides essential information on how plant gender can create new niches for enhancing biodiversity throughout an ecosystem. Moreover, poplars and willows are important components of the timber and biofuels industries, so results from this research may contribute to increased growth and yield. This China-US collaboration will provide cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural training opportunities for over 15 graduate students and 5 postdoctoral scholars, and the data will be incorporated into course exercises for teaching in the Chinese and US institutions. Dozens of undergraduates from diverse backgrounds will be provided training in genomics and functional ecology through direct contributions to data collection and analysis, or through access to the data for research immersion experiences. Finally, we will lead K-12 teacher training workshops targeted at under-represented groups in rural Texas to encourage teaching of the foundational theories of biodiversity.