Evolution of pollination niches and floral divergence in the generalist plant Erysimum mediohispanicum.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

How generalist plants diverge in response to pollinator selection without becoming specialized is still unknown. This study explores this question, focusing on the evolution of the pollination system in the pollination generalist Erysimum mediohispanicum (Brassicaceae).

Methods

Pollinator assemblages were surveyed from 2001 to 2010 in 48 geo-referenced populations covering the entire geographic distribution of E. mediohispanicum. Bipartite modularity, a complex network tool, was used to find the pollination niche of each population. Evolution of the pollination niches and the correlated evolution of floral traits and pollination niches were explored using within-species comparative analyses.

Key results

Despite being generalists, the E. mediohispan

SUBMITTER: Gomez JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3890381 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature