Predictable patterns of trait mismatches between interacting plants and insects.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are few predictions about the directionality or extent of morphological trait (mis)matches between interacting organisms. We review and analyse studies on morphological trait complementarity (e.g. floral tube length versus insect mouthpart length) at the population and species level.

Results

Plants have consistently more exaggerated morphological traits than insects at high trait magnitudes and in some cases less exaggerated traits than insects at smaller trait magnitudes. This result held at the population level, as well as for phylogenetically adjusted analyses at the species-level and for both pollination and host-parasite interactions, perhaps suggesting a general pattern. Across communities, the degree of trait mismatch between one specialist plant and

SUBMITTER: Anderson B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2927919 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature