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Towards the flower economics spectrum
Author(s) -
Roddy Adam B.,
MartínezPerez Cecilia,
Teixido Alberto L.,
Cornelissen Tatiana G.,
Olson Mark E.,
Oliveira Rafael S.,
Silveira Fernando A. O.
Publication year - 2021
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.16823
Subject(s) - pollinator , biology , trait , selection (genetic algorithm) , pollination , genetic algorithm , evolutionary biology , ecology , stabilizing selection , ecological selection , reproductive success , genetic variation , pollen , population , gene , biochemistry , demography , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , programming language
Summary Understanding how floral traits affect reproduction is key for understanding genetic diversity, speciation, and trait evolution in the face of global changes and pollinator decline. However, there has not yet been a unified framework to characterize the major trade‐offs and axes of floral trait variation. Here, we propose the development of a floral economics spectrum (FES) that incorporates the multiple pathways by which floral traits can be shaped by multiple agents of selection acting on multiple flower functions. For example, while pollinator‐mediated selection has been considered the primary factor affecting flower evolution, selection by nonpollinator agents can reinforce or oppose pollinator selection, and, therefore, affect floral trait variation. In addition to pollinators, the FES should consider nonpollinator biotic agents and floral physiological costs, broadening the drivers of floral traits beyond pollinators. We discuss how coordinated evolution and trade‐offs among floral traits and between floral and vegetative traits may influence the distribution of floral traits across biomes and lineages, thereby influencing organismal evolution and community assembly.