title: Plant evolution, diversity, distribution and function in ecosystems
reg no: SF0182551s03
project type: targeted financing
subject: 1.10-1.16. Bio-Geo Sciences
status: accepted
institution: University of Tartu
head of project: Meelis Pärtel
duration: 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2007
description: Plants are making ca 1/4 of Earth species diversity, but they form > 99% from the biomass of our planet. Thus, plants are creating environment for all other organisms. Plankton ecosystem is covering 2/3 of Earth surface; different from terrestrial ecosystems, it is characterized by small biomass but very high productivity (ca 1/2 from global primary production). Ocean is among the very few ecosystems which can buffer the rise of CO2 in the atmosphere. Plant diversity is complication since biological species concept can not always used. Nowadays one can solve relationships between taxons by combining molecular and morphological characteristics. The main aims of our research are: (1) to clarify systematics of several less studied taxons by using molecular methods; (2) to solve evolutionary-biogeographical questions (origin and distribution of plant traits at the global scale); (3) to make clear the effect of some organisms (plankton, invading woody species) on the amount and distribution of substances (nutrients, algal toxins) in their environment; (4) to describe the processes which influence plant diversity, distribution and rareness.

project group
no name institution position  
1.Aveliina HelmUniversity of Tartumagistr. 
2.Jaanika HõimraUniversity of Tartumagistr. 
3.Nele IngerpuuUniversity of Tartuteadur 
4.Andres JaanusUniversity of Tartudoktor. 
5.Kersti KangroUniversity of Tartudoktor. 
6.Ene KookUniversity of Tartumagistrant 
7.Erich KukkUniversity of Tartuteadur 
8.Tiiu KupperUniversity of Tartumagistrant 
9.Mare LeisUniversity of Tartuvanemlaborant 
10.Kalle OlliUniversity of Tartuv-teadur 
11.Tiiu PesurUniversity of Tartumagistr. 
12.Silvia PihuUniversity of Tartuv-teadur 
13.Egle PuidetUniversity of Tartudoktorant 
14.Ene PärnpuuUniversity of Tartumagistr. 
15.Meelis PärtelUniversity of Tartu 
16.Ülle ReierUniversity of Tartuteadur 
17.Helen TammertUniversity of Tartudoktor. 
18.Kaire TornUniversity of Tartudoktor. 
19.Eva-Liis TuviUniversity of Tartudoktor.