Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG): Molecular-Based Classification of Flowering Plants
Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG): an international botanist collaboration using molecular phylogenetics to develop consensus, evolution-based classifications of flowering plants, updated across APG I–IV.
The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) is an informal international collaboration of botanists who work together to produce a shared view of the taxonomy of flowering plants. Their goal is to arrange classification so it corresponds to evolutionary relationships and to reach a common consensus among specialists. The group places emphasis on classifications that reflect phylogeny, meaning groups should represent actual lines of descent.
Image gallery
3 Images
History and versions
The APG first published a widely noted classification in 1998. Subsequent updates were released in 2003, 2009 and 2016, commonly referred to as APG I, II, III and IV. Each update incorporated new evidence and discussion among contributing authors; APG IV (2016) is the latest formal version produced by the group.
Approach
Rather than relying solely on traditional morphological traits, the APG system is largely informed by molecular phylogenetic studies, especially DNA sequence data, interpreted alongside morphology and other lines of evidence. The group aims to identify and classify monophyletic groups—those that include an ancestor and all its descendants—so that the resulting taxonomy reflects evolutionary history as closely as current evidence allows.
Effects and use
- The APG classifications have influenced modern treatments of angiosperm relationships in floras, checklists, databases and educational resources.
- Adoption of the APG framework has led to revisions in the circumscription and placement of many orders and families to better match reconstructed evolutionary trees.
- Because the APG is collaborative and evidence-driven, its proposals are often used as a starting point for regional and taxon-specific classifications.
Notes
Earlier classification systems for flowering plants often included groups that are not monophyletic. The APG's emphasis on phylogenetic support represents a shift toward classifications that aim to be hypothesis-driven and testable as new data become available.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group?
A: The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) is an informal international group of botanists who came together to get a consensus on the taxonomy of flowering plants (angiosperms).
Q: What was the goal of the APG?
A: The goal of the APG was to base their classification system on plant relationships got from phylogeny.
Q: How many versions of a classification system have been produced by this collaboration?
A: Four versions of a classification system have come from this collaboration, published in 1998, 2003, 2009 and 2016.
Q: Were earlier angiosperm classifications based on monophyletic groups?
A: No, earlier angiosperm classifications were not based on monophyletic groups (i.e., groups that include all the descendants of a common ancestor).
Q: What are monophyletic groups?
A: Monophyletic groups are groups that include all the descendants of a common ancestor.
Q: What type of plants does APG focus on?
A: The APG focuses on flowering plants (angiosperms).
Tags
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG): Molecular-Based Classification of Flowering Plants Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/4168