Research goals
Biological taxonomy consists of the sub-areas of nomenclature (use of correct names for organisms), phylogenetics (determination of evolutionary relationships) and systematics (grouping of organisms into meaningful units). The working group deals with questions relating to the reconstruction of relationships, the evolution of characteristic traits and the influence of geological and ecological factors on species stability and speciation. The aim of the research is to understand the mechanisms and processes of speciation (through splitting, hybridisation or chromosome changes), the cohesion of species (under what conditions does the formation of new species not occur?) and the principles of ecological adaptation. Since molecular characteristics play a major role in plant systematics and genetic processes and are important for speciation, there are many cross-connections with genome research.
We employ a wide range of molecular, microscopic and morphological methods. To analyse speciation processes, we use population genetic and phylogeographic approaches together with phylogenetic analyses, chromosome painting, greenhouse experiments, comparative cultivation of species, and field studies in the natural distribution areas of our study objects (currently with a focus on the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and the steppe regions of the northern and southern hemisphere). These are complemented by modelling of the current potential climatic niches of species and their distribution areas during the last ice age. Together with molecular population analyses, these methods allow statements to be made on the age of species and species groups, on possible refugial areas and dispersal routes and on the evolution of morphological and physiological traits through time. The group also curates IPK's herbarium (GAT), a collection of some 500,000 specimens.
Dr. Frank Blattner is a member of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig.