Abstract Detail

Pteridology

DuFresne, Lani [1], Vasco, Alejandra [2].

Studying Natural History Collections to Understand the Ferns and Lycophytes of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

In the continental USA, Texas is one of the states with the highest diversity of native ferns and lycophytes. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (DFW) is the largest metropolitan area in Texas. To better understand the history, distribution, diversity, and conservation challenges of native ferns and lycophytes in this metropolitan area, we conducted a study using preserved plant specimens deposited at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas herbarium (BRIT) and those from other herbaria digitally uploaded into the online Texas Oklahoma Regional Consortium of Herbaria (TORCH). We found a total of 25 different species of native ferns and lycophytes in the thirteen counties that comprise the DFW area. To highlight the most important areas for native fern and lycophyte diversity and density in the area, we analyzed the complete dataset and created distribution maps for each species. The presence of native ferns and lycophytes in conserved or protected regions of land was also assessed. Results were then sorted by year and compared with historical information to account for natural regions that may have since been developed or subjected to changes so that they are no longer suitable habitats for ferns or lycophytes. Our findings highlight the importance of studying natural history collections such as herbaria to perform biodiversity surveys and to monitor the continued conservation challenges of Texas plants.

1 - Rice University, Biosciences, 6100 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
2 - Botanical Research Institute Of Texas, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, United States

Keywords:
Texas
Lycophytes
ferns
natural history collections
herbarium.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Pteridology Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPT001
Abstract ID:495
Candidate for Awards:None