Floral adaptation and diversification under pollen limitation

Area of Science:

• Plant reproductive biology
• Evolutionary ecology
• Angiosperm diversification

Background:

• Pollen limitation (PL) affects seed production in angiosperms, influencing reproductive adaptation.
• While ecological and conservation impacts of PL are studied, its evolutionary implications are less understood.
• Floral interactions with pollinators contribute to female reproductive success under PL.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the evolutionary influences of PL on reproductive adaptation compared to other seed production limits.
• To explore the implications of PL for evolution in changing environments.
• To understand how PL affects mating system evolution (outcrossing vs. selfing).

Main Methods:

• A theoretical model was developed incorporating pollination and post-pollination phases of PL.
• The model analyzed selection pressures on reproductive traits under PL.
• Inbreeding intensity's role in the evolution of outcrossing versus selfing was investigated.

Main Results:

• PL consistently favors increased ovule fertilization, influencing selection on reproductive traits.
• The intensity of inbreeding does not solely determine the evolution of outcrossing or selfing under PL.
• Diverse and context-dependent outcrossing solutions arise from multifaceted causes of PL.

Conclusions:

• PL pervasively influences selection on angiosperm reproductive traits.
• The adaptive options provided by PL contribute to the diversity of angiosperm reproductive systems.
• PL may be linked to increased angiosperm diversity globally.