Freek T. Bakker PhD
Assistant Professor, Biosystematics Group, Wageningen UR, & Nationaal Herbarium Nederland, Wageningen University branch
Expertise: plant systematics, molecular evolution, Pelargonium, phylogeny estimation, DNA barcoding
Room number: Ww4AA063
freek.bakker@wur.nl
Tel: +31 (0)317 483175
Research
My main research interest is in (molecular) evolution, species radiations and historical biogeography of flowering plants, for instance from the Cape Floristic Region. In addition,
I have an active interest in theoretical aspects of phylogeny and network reconstruction, evolution of plant organellar DNA, as well as in 'museum DNA' (see SYNTHESYS 2 JRA)
My research activities and interests are currently focused on molecular systematics of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae), African Rinorea (Violaceae). Other interests include development of DNA barcoding in various clades including (butter)flies.
External boards & editorial functions
2005--2007: Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board, CBOL, the Consortium for the Barcode of Life.
2008: Chair of NBOL, Barcode of Life, The Netherlands.
2010: Member of the iBOL Scientific Steering committee.
Selected publications
2011. Consistent phenological shifts in the making of a biodiversity hotspot: the Cape flora. Warren BH, Freek T Bakker FT, Bellstedt DU, Bytebier B, ClaSZen-Bockhoff R, Dreyer LL, Edwards D,Forest F,Galley C,Hardy CR, Linder HP, Muasya AM, Mummenhoff K,Oberlander KC,Quint M, Richardson JE, Savolainen V, Schrire BD, van der Niet T, G. Verboom A, Yesson C and Hawkins JA. BMC Evolutionary Biology 2011,11:39 doi:10.1186/1471-2148-11-39
2010. Barcode van DNA. Freek T. Bakker. Democratisering van de taxonomie door digitaal identificatiesysteem Kunst en Wetenschap, winternummer.
2010. Couvreur TLP, Franzke A, Al-Shehbaz IA, Bakker FT, Koch MA and Mummenhoff, K. Molecular Phylogenetics, Temporal Diversification, and Principles of Evolution in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae). Molecular Biology and Evolution 27(1): 55–71.
2009. Origin and diversification of the Greater Cape flora: Ancient species repository, hot-bed of recent radiation, or both? Verboom AG, Archibald JK, Bakker FT, Bellstedt DU, Conrad F, Dreyer LL, Forest F, Galley C, Goldblatt P, Henning JF, Mummenhoff K, Linder HP, Muasya AM, Oberlander KC, Savolainen V, Snijmanm DA, van der Niet T, Nowell TL. Mo
lecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 51: 44––53.
2009. Jones CS, Bakker FT, Schlichting CD, Nicotra AB. Leaf shape evolution in the South African genus Pelargonium l'Hér. (Geraniaceae). Evolution, 63 (2), pp. 479––497.
2005. Plant species-level systematics: new perspectives on pattern & process. Bakker FT, Chatrou LW, Gravendeel B & Pelser P. (eds.) Regnum Vegetabile 143, Gantner Verlag, Liechtenstein.
2004. Chloroplast phylogeny of asplenioid ferns based on rbcL and trnL-F spacer sequences (Polypodiidae, aspleniaceae) and its implications for biogeography. Schneider H, Russell SJ, Cox CJ, Bakker FT, Henderson S, Rumsey F, Barrett J, Gibby M & Vogel JC. Systematic Botany 29(2): 260–274.
2004. Chromosomal evolution interpreted from the rDNA ITS phylogeny for Pelargonium sect. Hoarea (Geraniaceae). Touloumenidou T, Bakker FT, Marais EM & Albers F. Schumannia 93–106.
1998. Phylogenetic relationships within Pelargonium section Peristera (Geraniaceae) inferred from nrDNA and cpDNA sequence comparisons. Bakker FT, Helbrugge D, Culham A, Gibby M. Plant Systematics and Evolution 211: 273–287.