Yun-Bo Duan , Hong-Qiang Lin , Zhe Chen , Chang-Qiu Liu , Yu-Mei Yuan , Yun-Dong Gao , Mei-Yan Lei , Mao-Lin Wang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Although pollinators are often categorized into broadly defined functional groups, much of floral diversity may actually reflect adaptation to different subdivisions within such broad pollinator groups. In Lilium, some species have white or pink flowers of moderate size (the pierid type), in contrast to those with relatively large orange or red flowers that are pollinated by swallowtail butterflies (the swallowtail type). Here we test whether species of the pierid type are pollinated by relatively small butterflies and whether these species belong to a monophyletic clade or whether this pollination system originated through convergent evolution. We observed floral visitors, examined their pollination effectiveness and the breeding systems of four eastern Asian Lilium species, measured floral traits, and conducted a phylogenetic analysis involving all species of the pierid type and several of the swallowtail type. Each of the species were visited by a variety of insects, but pierids most frequently contacted stigmas. These butterflies carried pollen predominantly on their hindwings. Visitors other than pierids deposited few pollen grains per visit. The focal species are highly self-incompatible and rely completely on pollinators for seed production. They differ from the swallowtail type mainly in floral coloration and size. In particular, the difference in size between the two types can likely be attributed to matching butterflies of different sizes. Species of the pierid type have independently evolved at least three times and therefore their floral similarity reflects floral convergence. Thus, like other pollinator groups, butterflies comprise subdivisions in relation to distinct floral syndromes, which have contributed to the evolution of floral diversity of Lilium.
期刊介绍:
FLORA publishes original contributions and review articles on plant structure (morphology and anatomy), plant distribution (incl. phylogeography) and plant functional ecology (ecophysiology, population ecology and population genetics, organismic interactions, community ecology, ecosystem ecology). Manuscripts (both original and review articles) on a single topic can be compiled in Special Issues, for which suggestions are welcome.
FLORA, the scientific botanical journal with the longest uninterrupted publication sequence (since 1818), considers manuscripts in the above areas which appeal a broad scientific and international readership. Manuscripts focused on floristics and vegetation science will only be considered if they exceed the pure descriptive approach and have relevance for interpreting plant morphology, distribution or ecology. Manuscripts whose content is restricted to purely systematic and nomenclature matters, to geobotanical aspects of only local interest, to pure applications in agri-, horti- or silviculture and pharmacology, and experimental studies dealing exclusively with investigations at the cellular and subcellular level will not be accepted. Manuscripts dealing with comparative and evolutionary aspects of morphology, anatomy and development are welcome.