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Phenotypic integration and the potential for independent color evolution in a polymorphic spring ephemeral
Author(s) -
Frey Frank M.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.3732/ajb.94.3.437
Subject(s) - ephemeral key , biology , spring (device) , phenotype , evolutionary biology , genetics , ecology , gene , mechanical engineering , engineering
The genetic architecture of the total phenotype may substantially constrain or enhance the evolution of floral color within populations in response to multiple selection pressures. Using Claytonia virginica I previously identified opposing selection on floral color generated through herbivores and pathogens. Here I ask whether the evolution of floral color in this system is constrained or unconstrained by its phenotypic integration with floral and vegetative traits. Morphological, physiological, and pollen traits were measured on over 400 plants in the field and greenhouse, and these data were used to test whether floral‐color morphs differed with respect to other traits and whether the among‐trait correlation structure differed across the color morphs. The color morphs varied with respect to most measured traits; however, the pattern of variation was not consistent among them, and there was little evidence of trade‐offs with floral color. A common principal components analysis revealed that the pattern of phenotypic integration substantially differed among the color morphs. Combined, these results suggest that floral‐color evolution may proceed relatively unconstrained by associations with other traits in this system. The absence of a strong constraint in combination with known fluctuating selective pressures may help to explain observed within‐ and among‐population color variation in this species.