Character evolution
Our monographic and phylogenetic studies will set the stage for
a detailed analyses of the evolution of particular characters
or suites of characters. These studies will rely heavily on MacClade
(Maddison and Madison, 1992) and the tools available therein,
including facilities for optimizing continuously varying characters,
and for testing the correlated evolution of characters on a tree
(Maddison, 1990). In the case of continuous characters we will
also explore the use of Felsenstein's independent contrasts method,
and other such methods described by Harvey and Pagel (1991).
Of special interest are the ascus wall, septum, and operculum
characters, which have played an important role in delimiting
Pezizales and higher taxa within it. Developmental patterns will
also be examined. It should also be possible to establish whether
there are multiple origins of different ascomatal carotenoid pigment
patterns, spore types, developmental patterns (such as those discussed
by Pfister, 1978b), and ecological preferences. As noted above,
we are especially interested in contrasting patterns of character
evolution in different phases of the life cycle.