Mutualist- and antagonist-mediated selection contribute to trait diversification of flowers

Abstract

Flowers are generally short-lived, and they all face a multidimensional challenge because they have to attract mutualists, compel them to vector pollen with minimal investment in rewards, and repel floral enemies during this short time window. Their displays are under complex selection, either consistent or conflicting, to maximize reproductive fitness under heterogeneous environments. The phenological or morphological mismatches between flowers and visitors will influence interspecific competition, resource access, mating success and, ultimately, population and community dynamics. To better understand the effects of the plant visitors on floral traits, it is necessary to determine the functional significance of specific floral traits for the visitors; how plants respond to both mutualists and antagonists through adaptive changes; and to evaluate the net fitness effects of biological mutualisms and antagonism on plants. In this review, we bring together insights from fields as diverse as floral biology, insect behavioral responses, and evolutionary biology to explain the processes and patterns of floral diversity evolution. Then, we discuss the ecological significance of plant responses to mutualists and antagonists from a community perspective, and propose a set of research questions that can guide the research field to integrate studies of plant defense and reproduction.

Chemistry, biosynthesis and biology of floral volatiles: roles in pollination and other functions

“…The rst studies shedding light on the effects of herbivory/ orivory on oral scents and pollinator behavior, were published less than two decades ago. reviewed by 137,[200][201][202][203][204] Meanwhile, there are some studies available that link herbivory on leaves and owers to oral chemistry and pollinator attraction. They have found that herbivory/orivory oen, but not always, 169,205 has effects on oral scent emissions, 177,206 and that different herbivores can have different effects on oral scent emissions.…”