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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.)

Associated evolution of fruit size, fruit colour and spines in Neotropical palms

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Author(s):
do Nascimento, Lucas Ferreira [1] ; Guimaraes, Paulo R. [2] ; Onstein, Renske E. [3] ; Kissling, W. Daniel [4] ; Piress, Mathias M. [5]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Programa Posgrad Ecol, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] German Ctr Integrat Biodivers Res iDiv, Leipzig - Germany
[4] Univ Amsterdam, IBED, Amsterdam - Netherlands
[5] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Biol, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY; v. 33, n. 6 APR 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Understanding how ecological interactions have shaped the evolutionary dynamics of species traits remains a challenge in evolutionary ecology. Combining trait evolution models and phylogenies, we analysed the evolution of characters associated with seed dispersal (fruit size and colour) and herbivory (spines) in Neotropical palms to infer the role of these opposing animal-plant interactions in driving evolutionary patterns. We found that the evolution of fruit colour and fruit size was associated in Neotropical palms, supporting the adaptive interpretation of seed-dispersal syndromes and highlighting the role of frugivores in shaping plant evolution. Furthermore, we revealed a positive association between fruit size and the presence of spines on palm leaves, bracteas and stems. We hypothesize that interactions between palms and large-bodied frugivores/herbivores may explain the evolutionary relationship between fruit size and spines. Large-bodied frugivores, such as extinct megafauna, besides consuming the fruits and dispersing large seeds, may also have consumed the leaves or damaged the plants, thus simultaneously favouring the evolution of large fruits and defensive structures. Our findings show how current trait patterns can be understood as the result of the interplay between antagonistic and mutualistic interactions that have happened throughout the evolutionary history of a clade. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/08406-7 - How do species and interaction turnovers affect the coevolutionary dynamics in mutualistic networks?
Grantee:Paulo Roberto Guimarães Junior
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants