Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Field Experiments of Pollination Ecology: The Case of Lycoris sanguinea var. sanguinea
Published on: November 25, 2016
The research behind a taxonomic monograph: a case study from Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae)
Pablo Muñoz-Rodríguez1,2, Tom Carruthers3, Tom Wells2,4
1Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Life Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais 12, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Systematic monographs are an important tool for understanding biodiversity. However, while papers that outline systematic methods for biogeography, phylogenetics and diversification are commonplace, papers that cover methods for monographic and taxonomic research are rare. In this paper, we describe how we conducted a monographic study of Ipomoea, drawing attention to the resources we made use of and the practical steps we took, with a particular focus on how we integrated results from molecular and morphological analyses. The monograph provided a framework for a range of subsequent research, including studies on the origin of the important crop sweet potato. It is hoped that our experience will provide a blueprint for others embarking on the preparation of a systematic monograph.
Related Concept Videos
Pollination and Flower Structure
Introduction to Seed Plants
Epiphytes, Parasites, and Carnivores
Non-vascular Seedless Plants
Asexual Reproduction
Basic Plant Anatomy: Roots, Stems, and Leaves

