Pollinator-Driven Speciation in Sexually Deceptive Orchids
Joint Authors
Schiestl, Florian P.
Schlüter, Philipp M.
Xu, Shuqing
Source
International Journal of Ecology
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-9, 9 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2012-02-09
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
9
Main Subjects
Natural & Life Sciences (Multidisciplinary)
Biology
Abstract EN
Pollinator-mediated selection has been suggested to play a major role for the origin and maintenance of the species diversity in orchids.
Sexually deceptive orchids are one of the prime examples for rapid, pollinator-mediated plant radiations, with many species showing little genetic differentiation, lack of postzygotic barriers, but strong prezygotic reproductive isolation.
These orchids mimic mating signals of female insects and employ male insects as pollinators.
This kind of sexual mimicry leads to highly specialised pollination and provides a good system for investigating the process of pollinator-driven speciation.
Here, we summarise the knowledge of key processes of speciation in this group of orchids and conduct a meta-analysis on traits that contribute to species differentiation, and thus potentially to speciation.
Our study suggests that pollinator shift through changes in floral scent is predominant among closely related species in sexually deceptive orchids.
Such shifts can provide a mechanism for pollinator-driven speciation in plants, if the resulting floral isolation is strong.
Furthermore, changes in floral scent in these orchids are likely controlled by few genes.
Together these factors suggest speciation in sexually deceptive orchids may happen rapidly and even in sympatry, which may explain the remarkable species diversity observed in this plant group.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Xu, Shuqing& Schlüter, Philipp M.& Schiestl, Florian P.. 2012. Pollinator-Driven Speciation in Sexually Deceptive Orchids. International Journal of Ecology،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-460338
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Xu, Shuqing…[et al.]. Pollinator-Driven Speciation in Sexually Deceptive Orchids. International Journal of Ecology No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-460338
American Medical Association (AMA)
Xu, Shuqing& Schlüter, Philipp M.& Schiestl, Florian P.. Pollinator-Driven Speciation in Sexually Deceptive Orchids. International Journal of Ecology. 2012. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-9.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-460338
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-460338