Exploring Plant Systematics

Summary:

The article discusses using high-quality, three-dimensional (3D) digital representations of plant structures to provide real knowledge of the grass family (Poaceae). The grass family is the fifth-largest plant family and is economically important in agriculture, including rice, wheat, and corn. The virtual models of three grass specimens, namely Danthoniopsis interior, Panicum virgatum, and Poa pratensis, were created by taking images of thin sections of plant material and reconstructing them into 3D models using computer-assisted design software. This method is cheaper than X-ray tomography and provides models of the internal structures of the flowers.

The advantages of using virtual models include the ability to address macroevolutionary questions and to identify different grass species by their floral structures. It highlights the importance of grass and sedges and offers botanical information that can help answer various taxonomic, evolutionary, and ecological questions.

Overall, the study demonstrates the potential of virtual models in plant systematics and provides valuable insights into the grass family. Using 3D models opens up new possibilities for research and understanding the diversity and characteristics of grass species.

Excerpt:

Exploring Plant Systematics

Virtual Models Provide Real
Knowledge of the Grass Family
A Discovery in Plant Systematics

Poaceae/The Grass Family
 Fifth-largest plant family, following the Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Fabaceae and Rubiaceae
 They grow on all continents, from deserts to freshwater and marine habitats, except the highest elevations.
 Economic importance
 Agriculture

…

Relevance to Plant Systematics
 To identify different species of grass by floral structures
 Shows the importance of grass and sedges
 Provides botanical information with great potential to answer a variety of taxonomic, evolutionary, and ecological questions

…

References:
 Botanical Society of America. (2018, November 26). Virtual models provide real knowledge in the grass family. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 3, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181126093201.htm
 Botanical_. (n.d.). Virtual models provide real knowledge in the grass family. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-11/bsoavmp112118.php