Evolution of fruit traits in ficus subgenus Sycomorus (Moraceae): to what extent do frugivores determine seed dispersal mode?

ABSTRACT: Fig trees are a ubiquitous component of tropical rain forests and exhibit an enormous diversity of ecologies. Focusing on Ficus subgenus Sycomorus, a phenotypically diverse and ecologically important Old World lineage, we examined the evolution of fruit traits using a molecular phylogeny constructed using 5 kilobases of DNA sequence data from 63 species (50% of global diversity). In particular, we ask whether patterns of trait correlations are consistent with dispersal agents as the primary selective force shaping morphological diversity or if other ecological factors may provide a better explanation? Fig colour, size and placement (axial, cauliflorous, or geocarpic) were all highly evolutionarily liable, and the same fruit traits have evolved in different biogeographic regions with substa

SUBMITTER: Harrison RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3367955 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature