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Project

The joint evolution of mating-system characters and reproductive isolation in closely related hybridizing plant species: a biogeographic approach

The idea that selection against hybrids might favor the evolution of novel prezygotic isolating barriers was first coined by Alfred Russell Wallace in his book “Darwinism: An Exposition of the Theory of Natural Selection, with Some of Its Applications”. However, the idea has been controversial for a long time, and compelling evidence is still largely lacking. Nonetheless, recent theoretical and empirical work suggests that reinforcement may often play an important role in increasing reproductive isolation in nature, but the magnitude of reinforcing selection in nature is generally unknown, as are the genes upon which such selection acts.

In this study, we will compare differences in floral traits between allopatric and sympatric populations of Centaurium erythraea and C. littorale to test the hypothesis that interactions between plant species shape the evolution of mating-system characters. These species share a generalized flower morphology and are known to hybridize in the field. Recent analyses in sympatric populations of these two species in Belgium have shown significant differences in floral traits, particularly in the degree of herkogamy, which, in turn, resulted in significant differences in the capacity for autonomous selfing. All observations and experiments will be conducted across a large geographic area to investigate if, and to what extent, differences in floral traits reflect selection generated by the interplay between local environmental conditions and the interaction between the two plant species. 

Date:1 Jan 2013 →  31 Dec 2016
Keywords:G.0982.13
Disciplines:Ecology, Environmental science and management, Other environmental sciences