Analysis of Phylogenetic Trees

Our trees did not agree; our hypothesis was that the rhododendron and the mimosa were more closely related, based on their pollen structure. But based on the phylogenetic tree made from the amino acid sequences of each plant species; the mimosa and the day lily are more closely related. The rhododendron is the plant species that is least related to the other two. We trust the amino acid sequence based tree more, because their is actual scientific evidence whereas our hypothesis was mostly guesswork and just observing the pollen of the plant.

Experimental Analysis Question 

The data we have gathered has showed us that each plant leans toward more cold climates. The Day Lily originates in countries of Asia and prefers wet climates. The Rhododendron originated in Europe and North America and also prefers colder climates. The Mimosa tree, native to South and Central America, also prefers colder climates. After we shot the SEM photos and labeled the measurements we found a range of sizes between the plants. The Day Lily had a width of 59.2 the Rhododenron had a width of 42.5, and the Mimosa tree had a width of  90.3. Looking at this data the Mimosa tree is found in South and Central America which can be a hot or cold climate. If found in more hot climates the number recorded for the width could explain it's difference from the other plants. These data suggest that hotter climates increase the pollen size of the plant. In order to form a more solid conclusion, more data will be needed.

Pollen Data Table

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah_k1Z2flz9jdElqZWlRODVGcFA4VV90bVdsOGprN3c&usp=drive_web#gid=0

Tree!

Phylogenetic tree, w/ 3 specimen: Mimosa Tree, Rhododendron, Day Lily
We based our phylogenetic tree off of the region these plants were found. Primarily, we looked at the pollen characteristics of each plants. We noticed the Rhododendron and Mimosa pollen grains had folds and layers so we assumed those two plants would be more closely related. The Day Lily seemed to have grooves in the grain, unlike the Mimosa and Rhododendron pollen grains, so we placed it father away from both.

Another Phylogenetic Tree

This Phylogenetic Tree is from Jalview

Albizia_kalkora= Mimosa tree

Hemerocallis_fulva = Day Lily

Rhododendron_fortunei = Rhododendron flower

SEM PiCTURES

This is a Day Lily pollen grain with measurements. The width is 59.2 micrometers and the length is 89.5 micrometers.  

In this image, the Day Lily is zoomed in to see the outer layer of the pollen grain. 

This is a pollen grain of the Mimosa tree with measurements. The width is 90.3 micrometers. 

This image is the pollen grain of the Mimosa tree zoomed in to see the folds and texture of the outer layer of the grain. 

These are the pollen grains of the Rhododendron with a measurement on one of them. The width of the grain is 42.5 micrometers. 

Phylogenetic Tree

   Guide Tree