Evidence for an evo-devo-derived hypothesis on three-dimensional flower shape modularity in a tropical orchid clade.

ABSTRACT: Covarying suites of phenotypic traits, or modules, are increasingly recognized to promote morphological evolution. However, information on how modularity influences flower diversity is rare and lacking for Orchidaceae. Here, we combine high-resolution X-ray computed tomography scanning with three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to test various hypotheses about three-dimensional patterns of flower evolutionary modularity in Malagasy Bulbophyllum orchids and examine rates and modes of module evolution. Based on the four evolutionary modules identified (i.e., sepals, lateral petals, labellum + column-foot, and column-part), our data support the hypothesis that both genetic-developmental and functional adaptive factors shaped evolutionary flower trait c

SUBMITTER: Artuso S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9828045 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature