The Australian Taxonomy

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Ryan O'Donnell

I’m a fungal and plant evolutionary biology PhD candidate with the Linde Group at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. My current research is focused on investigating the evolution of the Australian orchid flora and its associated funga. I am also investigating species level questions in Rhizoctonia (Ceratobasidiaceae) and Pterostylis (Orchidaceae).

My masters research was focused on the systematics and taxonomy of Australian mint bushes (Prostanthera; Lamiaceae), and I am still actively working on the genus Prostanthera.

More broadly, I have interests in systematics, taxonomy, species delimitation, and evolutionary ecology—particularly with respect to the evolution of symbiosis. Prior to starting my PhD, I completed my Master of Scientific Studies (Biodiversity Science) as a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar at the University of New England (UNE), where I was awarded the N.C.W. Beadle Scholarship in Botany to complete my Masters research project on the taxonomy, systematics, and conservation of Prostanthera.

Ryan's work profile

Ryan works in the following sector(s): University

Ryan's primary institution is: Australian National University

Ryan's position is: PhD Student

Ryan's work in taxonomy

Ryan has the following roles: Collecting, Specimen preparation, Identification, Research, Science Communication, Public Outreach

Ryan's skills are in Species delimitation, Phylogenetics, Classification, Biodiversity informatics, Nomenclature, Genetics & Genomics, Population genetics, Biogeography, Bioinformatics, Imaging

Ryan works on the taxonomy of Plants, Flowering Plants, Fungi, Basidiomycetes, Prostanthera, Lamiaceae, Orchidaceae, Pterostylis, Pterostylidinae, Diurideae, Ceratobasidiaceae, Ceratobasidium, Rhizoctonia, Cantharellales, Tulasnellaceae, Serendipitaceae

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