Reproductive isolation is mediated by pollen incompatibility in sympatric populations of two Arnebia species.

ABSTRACT: To explore uncertain aspects of the processes that maintain species boundaries, we evaluated contributions of pre- and postpollination reproductive isolation mechanisms in sympatric populations of Arnebia guttata and A. szechenyi. For this, we investigated their phylogenetic relationships, traits, microenvironments, pollinator visits, action of natural selection on floral traits, and the outcome of hand pollination between the two species. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that A. szechenyi is a derived species that could be closely related to A. guttata, and both could be diploid species. Arnebia guttata flowers have larger parts than A. szechenyi flowers, but smaller nectar guides. Soil supporting A. szechenyi had higher water contents than soil supporting neighboring populations of A. gut

SUBMITTER: Wang LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4717334 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature