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Reproductive systems and evolution in vascular plants.

K E Holsinger1

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, U-3043, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3043, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|June 22, 2000
PubMed
Summary

Reproductive modes like selfing and asexual reproduction influence plant genetic diversity. These strategies can lead to rapid population displacement of sexual outcrossers due to lower genetic diversity and potential mutation accumulation.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Population genetics

Background:

  • Reproductive modes (asexual, self-fertilization, sexual outcrossing) significantly shape plant population genetic structure.
  • Selfing and asexual reproduction result in fewer genotypes within populations compared to outcrossers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of different reproductive strategies on plant population genetic diversity and evolutionary trajectories.
  • To understand the mechanisms driving the prevalence of selfing and asexual reproduction in plant lineages.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of genetic diversity patterns across plant populations with different reproductive modes.
  • Theoretical modeling of population dynamics considering factors like the cost of outcrossing and reproductive assurance.

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Main Results:

  • Selfing and asexual lineages exhibit lower genetic diversity within populations but higher diversity among populations compared to outcrossers.
  • Reduced diversity in selfers and asexuals may limit adaptive responses to environmental change and accelerate deleterious mutation accumulation.
  • The cost of outcrossing and reproductive assurance favor selfing and asexual reproduction, potentially leading to the displacement of sexual outcrossers.

Conclusions:

  • Differences in reproductive modes have profound impacts on plant genetic diversity, evolutionary potential, and population dynamics.
  • Selfing and asexual reproduction may lead to shorter evolutionary lifespans due to reduced adaptability and increased mutation load.
  • Individual-level advantages like reproductive assurance can drive the maintenance and spread of selfing and asexual lineages.