A cladistic analysis of Nothofagus is presented. Comparison of potential outgroups (Fagus and Betulaceae) suggests that Fagus is most satisfactory, but clear morphological differences between it and Nothofagus support the placement of the latter in the monogeneric family Nothofagaceae. The cladistic analysis supports the four subgenera and four extant pollen groups proposed in the most recent revisions and is consistent with the extensive fossil record, although not especially supported by it. The evolution of the deciduous or evergreen habit. so long considered a singular event of importance in Nothofagus, probably occurred several times, and is an example of parallel evolution. Resolution within subgenera is not high in most cases, but subgenus Lophozonia offers a particularly interesting insight into the relationship among extant species and the role of rare long distance dispersal across significant ocean barriers in Norhofagus biogeography. More data are required to refine the phylogeny.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	Nothofagus, parsimony, fossil, morphology
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Evolutionary biology
Research Field:	Phylogeny and comparative analysis
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences
UTAS Author:	Hill, RS (Professor Bob Hill)
UTAS Author:	Jordan, GJ (Professor Greg Jordan)
ID Code:	88886
Year Published:	1993
Deposited By:	Plant Science
Deposited On:	2014-02-19
Last Modified:	2014-05-16
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