We combine laboratory and field experiments to compare species' reproductive success and relate this to their natural occurrence and distribution. We are currently studying the role of gametophyte morphology, including production of gemmae, in the ecology, reproduction, and dispersal of fern species. Understanding the evolution and ecology of ferns provides insight, in turn, to broader questions of plant geography and evolution. Another aspect of my research studies the community composition and dynamics of Iowa forests, and restoration of forest diversity. D.R. Farrar and J.F. Wendel.
Convergent simplification leads to a polyphyletic Vittaria.
Dassler, C.L., and D.R. Farrar. Chiou, W., and D.R. Farrar. Antheridiogen production and response in Polypodiaceae species. Farrar, D.R. 1997. Forest research in Iowa's State Parks - the values of natural diversity.