Mutualists and antagonists drive among-population variation in selection and evolution of floral display in a perennial herb.

ABSTRACT: Spatial variation in the direction of selection drives the evolution of adaptive differentiation. However, few experimental studies have examined the relative importance of different environmental factors for variation in selection and evolutionary trajectories in natural populations. Here, we combine 8 y of observational data and field experiments to assess the relative importance of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions for spatial variation in selection and short-term evolution of a genetically based floral display dimorphism in the short-lived perennial herb Primula farinosa. Natural populations of this species include two floral morphs: long-scaped plants that present their flowers well above the ground and short-scaped plants with flowers positioned close to the ground. The direc

SUBMITTER: Agren J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3831491 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature