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THE ROLE OF HERBIVORES IN THE EVOLUTION OF SEPARATE SEXES FROM HERMAPHRODITISM
Author(s) -
Ashman Tia-Lynn
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.1890/0012-9658(2002)083[1175:trohit]2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - dioecy , biology , gynodioecy , herbivore , ecology , sexual dimorphism , abiotic component , pollinator , evolutionary biology , mating system , zoology , pollination , pollen , mating
Evolutionary biologists have repeatedly argued that environmental factors have influenced the evolution of dioecy (males and females) from hermaphroditism in plants. While many researchers have focused on the role of pollinators and abiotic factors, far fewer have considered the enemy component of the environment. In this paper, I explore how herbivory may impact the evolution of dioecy from hermaphroditism through gynodioecy. This synthesis shows that the widespread occurrence of male‐biased enemy attack in sexually dimorphic species is likely to have significant consequences for both the first and second steps in the evolution of dioecy through gynodioecy. I identify several ways that herbivory can influence sexual‐system evolution, review the handful of studies that have explored them, and highlight exciting new avenues for research. From this review and synthesis, I conclude that consideration of enemies will provide a fresh dimension to our understanding of plant sexual systems.