Ping Zhou

Ping obtained his Bachelor degree in Biology from Lanzhou University in 2000, and subsequently entered the Graduate School of Fudan University. In the following three years, Ping was involved in many projects in different research areas: plant physiology, ecological economics, and molecular ecology. With the help of several Chinese bryologists; Drs. Cao, Wang and Hu, Ping did a project exploring the genetic diversity and population structure of Entodon compressus, which is an autoicous moss species that grows on tree trunks, rocks, and earth. His RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) data showed that high genetic diversity exists within 85 population samples and demonstrated some genetic differentiation among the six populations collected from Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

With a keen interest in bryophytes, Ping joined in Jon Shaw's bryology lab in Fall 2003. Currently he is studying Sphagnum phylogenetics and molecular population genetics. He is trying to use statistical methods and mathematical models to understand mating patterns and evolutionary processes in Sphagnum.

Ping is currently working on a project investigating phylogenetic relationships and population genetics of two closely related southeastern U.S. species of Sphagnum: S. macrophyllum and S. cribrosum. Unpublished results clearly indicate that these two morphologically similar taxa are reciprocally monophyletic. Future work will focus on reproductive isolation and/or hybridization in mixed populations, and investigate the reasons why sexual reproduction seems to be rare in both species.

 Shaw Laboratory
 139 Biological Sciences Bldg.
 Box 90338
 Department of Biology
 Duke University
 Durham
 North Carolina 27708
 U.S.A.

 Phone: (+1) 919 660-7345
 Fax: (+1) 919 660-7293