The evolution of fern diversity
Harald Schneider collecting ferns in the Mascarenes
The evolution of fern diversity in space and time
This project aims to explore the origin of fern diversity by integrating:
- lineage history - phylogeny, divergence time estimates, fossil record
- geographic distribution
- morphological and/or physiological variation
- ecological differentiation
The project studies especially:
- the Palaeozoic origin of ferns
- the Cretaceous revolution(s)
- the Cainozoic diversification
The latter is particular focused on the correlation of diversification events and fluctuation of the global climate since the Eocene.