How does pollination mutualism affect the evolution of prior self-fertilization? A model

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Ecology
• Plant reproductive strategies

Background:

• The evolution of self-fertilization (selfing) is influenced by pollination mode, yet this interaction is often overlooked.
• Pollinators exert selective pressures on floral traits, impacting the evolution of mating systems.
• Selfing species often exhibit a 'selfing syndrome' characterized by reduced investment in floral displays, nectar, and scent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the evolutionary dynamics of selfing, considering its effects on plant and pollinator demography and plant reproductive investment.
• To investigate how the 'selfing syndrome' influences the evolution of mating systems in animal-pollinated plants.
• To explore potential outcomes of selfing evolution, including complete outcrossing, complete selfing, mixed mating, and evolutionary suicide.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling of plant and pollinator population dynamics.
• Integration of demographic effects with evolutionary changes in selfing rates.
• Incorporation of the 'selfing syndrome' as a factor influencing plant investment in pollination.

Main Results:

• The model predicts that plants can evolve towards complete outcrossing, complete selfing, or stable mixed-mating systems, even with high inbreeding depression.
• The inclusion of the selfing syndrome can lead to diverse evolutionary trajectories for mating systems.
• High levels of prior selfing, coupled with demographic effects, can result in evolutionary suicides.

Conclusions:

• Pollination mode and the associated 'selfing syndrome' are critical factors in the evolution of selfing.
• Plant-pollinator interactions play a significant role in shaping mating system evolution in animal-pollinated taxa.
• Integrating demography and evolution is crucial for understanding the complex pathways of mating system evolution, including the risk of evolutionary suicide.