Gazing into the anthosphere: considering how microbes influence floral evolution.

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Flowers are central to angiosperm (flowering plant) diversification.
• Interactions between flowers and their microbial communities (the anthosphere) are increasingly recognized.
• The evolutionary impact of these plant-microbe associations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge of the anthosphere within a multilevel selection framework.
• To illustrate the evolutionary potential of the extended floral phenotype, encompassing both plant and microbial genes.
• To highlight the role of flower microbes in shaping floral trait evolution and reproductive ecology.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis and theoretical framework application.
• Analysis of multilevel selection theory in the context of floral evolution.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and future research directions.

Main Results:

• Flower microbes represent a significant, yet understudied, source of variation influencing floral traits.
• The extended floral phenotype, including microbial contributions, is a key factor in plant evolution.
• Microbial associations can drive eco-evolutionary dynamics in angiosperms.

Conclusions:

• Flower microbes are critical mediators of plant reproduction, ecology, and evolution.
• Integrating microbial perspectives is essential for a comprehensive understanding of angiosperm evolution.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and consequences of plant-microbe interactions in the anthosphere.