Jeremie Fant
Conservation Scientist - Molecular Ecology
Ph.D., Cambridge University, 2000

Research Interests

The focus of my research is the genetics of plant populations, particularly that of aquatic plants and putative hybrids. Aquatic habitats are often fragmented and can have high levels of disturbance; consequently, many aquatic plants rely on a combination of sexual and asexual means to both reproduce and colonize new areas. These factors play an important role in shaping the population genetics of this group of plants, and are the main reason why many invasive species are aquatic. My main interest is in the pondweed family (Potamogetonaceae), a group of aquatic macrophytes that can be found in a wide variety of freshwater ecosystems. These plants play a vital ecological role, providing food and shelter for numerous aquatic species. However, within this family the species range from the rare to those considered invasive weeds. Through molecular techniques it will be determined how important sexual versus asexual reproduction is in the variation in success between these species.

Another interesting characteristic of Potamogetonaceae is the prevalence of interspecific hybrids: there are at least 50 hybrids recognized worldwide. The role of hybrids in speciation and population genetics is not clearly understood, so through the study of hybrid populations, we can better understand the role they might play.

Current Projects

• Andrea Tietmeyer and I are using a combination of genetic and quantitative techniques to investigate ecosystem distinctiveness in two Great Basin genera, Eriogonum and Penstemon. The aim of this work is to determine the adaptive capability of different ecotypes for future restoration work.
• Mimulus michiganesis is a rare aquatic perennial that is endemic to Michigan. Previous studies have shown that this species has low levels of sexual reproduction, although this varies somewhat between populations. As the populations are small and fragmented, it is thought that this low fertility maybe a consequence of inbreeding; using molecular markers we hope to better answer this question.
  
  

Publications and Presentations

Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (2001) Isozyme evidence of the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus as resulting from the cross between P.berchtoldii and P.acutifolius. Aquatic Botany 71(3): 199-208.

Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (2001) Allozyme evidence of the parental origin and possible fertility of the hybrid Potamogeton x fluitans. Plant Systematics and Evolution 229 (1-2): 45-57.

Fant, J.B., E. Kamau and C.D. Preston (In press) Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x sudermanicus.

Fant, J.B., E. Kamau, C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (Submitted) Chloroplast evidence for the hybrid origin of Potamogeton x fluitans (Short Communication).

Fant, J.B., C.D. Preston and J.A.Barrett (Submitted) Study of the putative origin and possible fertility of the hybrid Potamogeton x salicifolius. Isozyme and morphological evidence.

Contact Information
Jeremie Fant
Office: (847) 835-6959
Lab: (847) 835 8346
jfant@chicagobotanic.org



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