Martha J. Coleman

Education

• 2004 - BSc. Biology / Geography, Trent University
• Present - MSc. Candidate, Trent University

Project Outline

Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri)

Thistles are common throughout Canada and those belonging to the Cirsium genus have been known to exist not only as troublesome weeds, but also as endangered species. Cirsium pitcheri is endemic to the shorelines of the great lakes and is currently limited to approximately four main sites within Canada. In 1999 C. pitcheri was listed as endangered by the Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada (Maun, 1999). This species does not reproduce asexually and currently their main threat is based on anthropogenic practices such as trampling and beach development. These plants are speculated to exist in a metapopulation structure and a genetic assessment will determine whether or not source and sink populations exist. With the characterization of microsatellite markers, it is expected that the results of this investigation will shed light on the influences on genetic affinity not only within but between populations as well. More importantly, our results will allow for the potential relocation of individuals from thriving populations to those that are on the brink of extinction.

Engelmann's Quillwort (Isoetes engelmannii)

The pteridophyte genus Isoetes (Isoetaceae) is speculated to have existed since the early Paleozoic era and can be located in both aquatic and semi-aquatic environments (Hoot et al., 2004). The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has listed Isoetes engelmannii as endangered since May 2001 (Brunton, 2001). This species is quite prevalent throughout the eastern United States and Europe, but can only be found within two locations in Ontario, Canada. I. engelmannii are inconspicuous and produce both micro and megaspores which can be located at the base of mature leaves. A genetic investigation including the evaluation of a LEAFY homolog as well as chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) will aid me in determining if this species is a northern adapted form of a U.S. species or a unique Canadian variety. This research includes the study of Isoetes engelmannii, I. echinospora, as well as the hybrid of these two parent plants, I. eatonii. The evaluation of all three species will provide a better understanding of the population dynamics that occur within Ontario.