What is the influence of abiotic factors on the phylogenetic diversity and endemism of Mimosa (Leguminosae)?

• Grant number: 24/07221-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Botany - Phytogeography
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Maurici Borges
• Grantee: João Pedro Fujita
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Biogeography seeks to understand the patterns and processes that led to the distribution of organisms through space and time. Aulthough large-scale biogeographical anlyses of phylogenetic diversity and endemism patterns allow us to sistinguish the contribution of ecological and evolutionary factors to biota distribution, most biogegraphical studies do not integrate these metrics. In this context, we will conduct a study of the global biogeography of the Mimosa L. group (Fabaceae), an extremely diverse genus widel distributed throughout the Americas, particularly in open vegetation. To highlight the distribution patterns of Mimosa around the world, we will conduct alpha and beta phylogenetic diversity analyses and their relationship with variations of enviromental factors between each region, along with anlyses of paleo- and neo-endemism, using data availabel in online databases. In addition to publishing a scientific article, this proposal aims to train an underagraduate researcher proficency in the tehory and pratice of evolutionary biogeography.