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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Evidence of between-population differences in natural selection on extra-floral nectaries of the shrub Anemopaegma album (Bignoniaceae)

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Author(s):
Nogueira, Anselmo [1] ; Rey, Pedro J. [2] ; Alcantara, Julio M. [2] ; Lohmann, Lucia G. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Jaen, Fac Ciencias Expt, Dept Biol Anim Biol Vegetal & Ecol, Paraje Las Lagunillas S-N, Jaen 23071 - Spain
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: BOTANY; v. 94, n. 3 MAR 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Extra-floral nectaries (EFNs) are thought to represent protective adaptations against herbivory, but studies on the evolutionary ecology of EFNs have seldom been conducted. Here we investigate the patterns of natural selection and genetic variation in EFN traits in two wild populations of Anemopaegma album Mart. ex DC. (Bignoniaceae) that have been previously described as contrasting EFN - ant adapted localities in the Neotropical savanna (Cristalia and Grao Mogol). In each population, four EFN descriptors, foliar damage, and reproductive success variables were measured per plant (100-120 plants per population). To estimate the heritability of EFN traits, we crossed reproductive plants in the field, and grew offspring plants in a common garden. The results showed that ant assemblages differed between populations, as did the range of foliar herbivory. Genetic variation and positive phenotypic selection in EFN abundance were only detected in the Cristalia population, in which plants with more EFNs were more likely to reproduce. An evaluation of putative causal links conducted by path analysis corroborated the existence of phenotypic selection on EFNs, which was mediated by the herbivory process in the Cristalia population. While EFNs could be currently under selection in Cristalia, it is possible that past selection may have driven EFN traits to become locally adapted to the local ant assemblage in the Grao Mogol population. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/02110-5 - Evolution of extrafloral nectaries: heritability, natural selection and specialization in ant-plant interactions.
Grantee:Anselmo Nogueira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 13/04591-3 - Natural selection on extrafloral nectaries and specialization of the ant-plant-herbivore interactions
Grantee:Anselmo Nogueira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor