My research can be summarized in the above figure. I’m interested in linking genotype and phenotype to the adaptation to certain pollinators. To do this I am used the flowering plant family Polemoniaceae. My dissertation was split into the following projects:
The first was reconstructing a near complete phylogeny of the family, and mapping on characters important for pollination in order to get an idea of evolutionary trends.
The second was looking at the cellular and genetic components of flower size changes due to pollinators in Saltugilia.
The third was looking at the evolution of flower color in two genera, Leptosiphon and Linanthus, which appear to have gained flower color from a white flowered ancestor.
Additionally I did a lot of work with Florida high school teachers and students in multiple outreach modules.
Jacob B. Landis 