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Darwin's inflorescence syndrome is indeed associated with bee pollination
Marina M Strelin1, Nicolay L da Cunha2, Aimé Rubini-Pisano3
1Grupo de Investigación en Ecología de La Polinización, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue), San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina. marina.strelin@comahue-conicet.gob.ar.
Plant Reproduction
|August 30, 2023
Summary
Darwin's hypothesis on vertical inflorescences and bee pollination is supported. Vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers are more common in bee-pollinated angiosperms, aiding pollen export and reducing self-pollination.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Ecology and evolution
- Angiosperm pollination systems
Background:
- Darwin hypothesized a link between vertical inflorescences, protandrous flowers, and bee pollination in 1877.
- Flower arrangement and traits influence plant reproduction and pollinator interactions.
- Inflorescence structure can exploit pollinator behavior for reproductive success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically test Darwin's hypothesis on vertical acropetal inflorescences and bee pollination.
- To evaluate the association between inflorescence traits and pollinator specificity across angiosperms.
- To understand the adaptive significance of inflorescence architecture in pollination.
Main Methods:
- Compiled literature data for 718 angiosperm species.
- Utilized a phylogenetic comparative framework to analyze trait associations.
- Examined the relationship between vertical acropetal inflorescences, protandrous flowers, and bee pollination.
Main Results:
- Vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers are significantly more common in bee-pollinated species.
- This association persists even with other self-pollination avoidance mechanisms present.
- Other inflorescence types showed no differential association with bee pollination.
Conclusions:
- Darwin's hypothesis is supported by empirical evidence across angiosperms.
- This inflorescence type appears to primarily benefit male fitness by promoting pollen export.
- Female-biased nectar production may enhance upward bee foraging, reinforcing the adaptive value of this configuration.
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