Collaborative Research: Floral Function and Phylogeny in Penstemon: Tests of Pollen Presentation Theory

Wolfe, Thomson, Wilson， Armbruster合作研究：Penstemon的花功能和系统发育：花粉呈现理论的检验本研究探讨了snapdragon科成员Penstemon属植物的花性状进化。研究人员将利用DNA序列估算出一份Penstemon的“家谱”，这样就可以用对物种关系的正确理解来解释观察到的花性状的变化。生态学研究将集中于花葶草的花药特征如何影响花粉剂量的大小和数量，并最终影响蜂鸟和蜜蜂授粉植物的植物适应性。一个未经验证的新理论预测，当传粉动物频繁来访时，每次从花药中释放较少剂量的花粉的植物将向其他植物捐赠更多的花粉。作为花粉呈现理论的首次检验，本研究将有助于确定这些模型是否正确和有用。提高对传粉机制的认识有助于提高对农作物替代传粉媒介的经济评价。

ABSTRACT 97-07330 Wolfe, Thomson, Wilson, Armbruster Collaborative research: Floral function and phylogeny in Penstemon: tests of pollen presentation theory This research examines the evolution of floral traits within the plant genus Penstemon, a member of the snapdragon family. The investigators will derive a "family tree" of Penstemon using DNA sequences to estimate genetic similarities, so that observed changes in floral characters can be interpreted with a proper understanding of species relationships. Ecological research will be focused on ways that Penstemon anther characteristics influence size and number of pollen doses, and ultimately, plant fitness in hummingbird- and bee-pollinated plants. An untested new theory predicts that when pollinating animals visit frequently, plants that release pollen from their anthers in smaller doses per visit will donate more pollen to other plants. As the first test of pollen presentation theory, this research will help decide whether these models are correct and useful. Improved knowledge of pollination mechanics can help improve the economic evaluation of alternative pollinators of agricultural crops.