We use molecular tools to study the phylogeny, phylogeography and conservation genetics of plants. We are using nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequencing to study the phylogeny of various southern hemisphere plant groups. Maternally inherited chloroplast DNA markers are used in phylogeographic studies aimed at detecting historical migration routes and refugia. Conservation genetics projects can have various objectives including assessment of the phylogenetic distinctness of rare taxa and monitoring levels of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity to assess the risk of extinction.
Contact: R.Vaillancourt@utas.edu.au