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Convergent and divergent evolution in carnivorous pitcher plant traps
Author(s) -
Thorogood Chris J.,
Bauer Ulrike,
Hiscock Simon J.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.14879
Subject(s) - convergent evolution , biology , carnivorous plant , genetic algorithm , adaptive radiation , evolutionary biology , genus , predation , ecology , phylogenetics , gene , biochemistry
ContentsSummary 1035 I. Introduction 1035 II. Evolution of the pitcher 1036 III. Convergent evolution 1036 IV. Divergent evolution 1038 V. Adaptive radiation and speciation 1040 VI. Conclusions and perspectives 1040Acknowledgements 1040References 1040Summary The pitcher trap is a striking example of convergent evolution across unrelated carnivorous plant lineages. Convergent traits that have evolved across pitcher plant lineages are essential for trap function, suggesting that key selective pressures are in action. Recent studies have also revealed patterns of divergent evolution in functional pitcher morphology within genera. Adaptations to differences in local prey assemblages may drive such divergence and, ultimately, speciation. Here, we review recent research on convergent and divergent evolution in pitcher plant traps, with a focus on the genus Nepenthes , which we propose as a new model for research into adaptive radiation and speciation.