Evolution of plant mating systems: the influence of female choice
FP5 — Improving Human Research Potential
- Duration
- 2002-09-01 → 2003-08-31
- EU contribution
- €71,224
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- RGI
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Project objective
An unsolved problem in plant evolutionary biology is the stability of intermediate (mixed) mating systems, i.e.a combination of selfing and sexual reproduction. Theory predicts that out-crossing offspring fitness due to inbreeding depression. If, however, plants have the ability to reduce inbreeding depression, how will this affect evolution of mating systems? Traits of the female reproductive function that enhance pollen competition may reduce the expression of inbreeding depression, since they can avoid fertilization of dysfunctional pollen. Such traits may also exist since they enable genetically superior pollen donors to father the seeds (sexual selection). The aim of the research project is to investigate female choice during pollen competition in relation to evolution of mating systems and sexual selection. By using a model system of Collinsia spp. (Scrophulariaceae) (a genus of ca. 20 species with resolved molecular phylogeny) these evolutionary important questions can be investigated with a combination of comparative and ecological studies in the field and in the lab. With this new technique it is possible to study evolution also when a historical perspective is not available from the fossil record.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · TRONDHEIMCoordinatorNorway
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union