- Research interests:
- Comparative population genetics and ecophysiology
of rare and widespread species
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An ecophysiological study revealed that photosynthetic
light-response curves at two different temperatures are similar for both
species following preconditioning to a range of light and moisture regimes,
indicating that the widespread species does not have a greater ability
to acclimate to these variables (Baskauf and Eickmeier,
1994).
| Thus, although the endemic's photosynthetic capacity is rather low
(as estimated by both lab and field work), this does not explain its limited
distribution because photosynthesis rates are similarly low for the prairie
species. |
 |
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Echinacea tennesseensis |
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More recently, several students
have worked with me on a project comparing the population
| genetics of another endangered cedar glade species, Astragalus bibullatus
with its widespread prairie congener, Astragalus
crassicarpus. Once again, the rare species has lower levels of
genetic variability (Baskauf and Snapp, 1997 and
other work in progress). |
 |
|
Astragalus bibullatus fruit, photo courtesy of
Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation |
Also underway is a greenhouse ecophysiological study comparing the
performance of these same two Astragalus species, in terms of growth
and photosynthesis under various light and moisture regimes. Unexpectedly,
the widespread species has performed less well than the rare species under
greenhouse conditions. More comparitive work is planned with these species.
 |
The comparison of closely related congeners is very useful in evaluating
observations on the population genetics and ecophysiology for rare species.
Besides revealing specific factors which may limit the distribution of
individual rare species, comparisons of closely related rare and widespread
species pairs should aid in seeking generalities concerning the condition
of rarity. It should be noted that my interest in endemism and rarity is
a reflection of a more general interest in environmental issues. |
| Astragalus bibullatus in flower, photo courtesy
of Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation |
|
|
In another recent research project (Baskauf,
dePamphilis, and Eickmeier, 1999) I have examined the photosynthetic
competence of several holoparasitic and hemiparasitic
plants from the family Scrophulariaceae in terms of RUBISCO activity as
well as whole plant gas exchange.
 |
Surprisingly, the holoparasitic Orobanche species maintains
an rbcL gene (coding for a RUBISCO subunit), apparently maintained
by functional constraints. Despite this "apparently functional"
rbcL gene, the Orobanche species shows neither net photosynthetic
carbon dioxide uptake in the light nor detectable RUBISCO activity. |
| Orobanche corymbosa, a holoparasite |
|
| Research involving the Echinacea, Astragalus,
and Orobanche species has been supported by various grants. |
|
Publications:
Click on the link to see the abstract of the article.
Baskauf, Carol J. 2001. Examining rarity
through comparisons with widespread congeners: a genetic and ecophysiological
example from limestone glade endemics. Castanea 66:126-133.
Baskauf, Carol J.,
and Sharon Snapp. 1998. Population genetics of the cedar glade endemic
Astragalus bibullatus (Fabaceae) using isozymes. Annals of the
Missouri Botanical Garden 85: 90-96.
Baskauf, Carol J., David
E. McCauley, and William G. Eickmeier. 1994. Genetic analysis of a
rare and a widespread species of Echinacea (Asteraceae). Evolution
48: 180-188.
Baskauf, Carol J., and William
G. Eickmeier. 1994. Comparative ecophysiology of a rare and a widespread
species of Echinacea (Asteraceae). American Journal of Botany
81: 958-964.
Abstacts and symposia
presentations
Courses taught:
Links to:
For more information please email: BaskaufC@APSU.edu
