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Evidence for an evo-devo-derived hypothesis on three-dimensional flower shape modularity in a tropical orchid clade
Silvia Artuso1, Alexander Gamisch1, Yannick M Staedler2
1Department of Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria.
Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|September 21, 2022
Summary
Flower modules in Bulbophyllum orchids evolved under genetic-developmental and functional factors, influencing diversity. Different modules evolved at varying rates, shaped by pollinators, enhancing morphological evolution.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Plant morphology
- Orchidaceae evolution
Background:
- Phenotypic trait covariation, or modularity, is recognized to drive morphological evolution.
- Understanding modularity's role in flower diversity, especially in Orchidaceae, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate 3D flower evolutionary modularity in Malagasy Bulbophyllum orchids.
- Test hypotheses on genetic-developmental and functional adaptive factors shaping trait covariation.
- Examine evolutionary rates and modes of floral modules.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning.
- Three-dimensional geometric morphometrics.
- Phylogenetic comparative methods.
Main Results:
- Identified four evolutionary modules: sepals, lateral petals, labellum + column-foot, and column-part.
- Confirmed genetic-developmental and functional adaptive factors influenced trait covariation.
- Observed independent evolution of the labellum from the petal whorl.
- Demonstrated modules evolved at different rates, under neutral or selective constraints (pollinator-driven).
Conclusions:
- Flower modularity in Bulbophyllum orchids is shaped by both "evo-devo" and adaptive factors.
- The labellum exhibits unique evolutionary dynamics.
- Floral module evolution, influenced by pollinators, can enhance morphological diversity and evolutionary rates.
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