Geoffrey Levin

 

Affiliate, Department of Plant Biology
Director, Division of Biodiversity and Ecological Entomology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Affiliate, Natural Resources & Environmental Science
175 Natural Resources Building  MC-652
(217) 244-7481

Education

Ph.D., 1984, University of California-Davis
MS, 1979, University of California, Davis
BA, 1977, Pomona College

Teaching

IB 335 Systematics of Plants
IB 467 Principles of Systematics
IB 469 Evolutionary Survey of Plants

Research Overview

The Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest families of flowering plants, with about 300 genera and 7,500 species. The family is important ecologically, particularly in arid regions and the tropics. Many species have economic value, providing a variety of products including rubber, cassava or yuca, castor oil, and tung oil, as well as ornamentals like poinsettia and chenille plant. Yet the systematics and phylogeny of most of the family remains poorly known.

 

In my research I address a variety of systematic problems in the Euphorbiaceae, using primarily morphological data. With the tools of phylogenetic analysis, I work at levels ranging from generic relationships within subfamilies to species delimitation and evolution within problematic genera. Currently I am concentrating particularly on two large and geographically widespread genera, Acalypha and Drypetes. I am also beginning to integrate the powerful new techniques of molecular systematics into my research.

 

My interests also include the distribution of plants in North America and Mexico. A particular focus has been the flora of the Revillagigedos Islands, a group of volcanic islands off the west coast of Mexico. In addition to their significance as the home to many endemics, these islands provide an excellent opportunity to study the interactions among native and introduced plants and animals.

Recent Publications

Sagun, V.G., G.A. Levin & R.W.J.M van der Ham (2006) Pollen morphology and ultrastructure of Acalypha (Eurphobiaceae).  Review of Paleobotany & Palynology 140:123-143

 

Lee B-Y, Levin GA and Downie SR (2001) Relationships within the spiny-fruited Umbellifers (Scandiceae subtribes Daucinae and Torilidinae) as assessed by phylogenetic analysis of morphological characters. Systematic Botany 26: 622-642.

 

Levin GA (2001) Acalypha and Drypetes (Euphorbiaceae). Pp. 842-852, 877-879, in W. D. Stevens, C. Ulloa Ulloa, A. Pool, & O. M. Montiel (eds.), Flora de Nicaragua, vol. 1. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 85.