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

摘要 97-07330 Wilson，Thomson，Wolfe，Armbruster合作研究：Penstemon的花功能和发育： 花粉呈现学说 本研究探讨了金鱼草属植物花部性状的进化。研究人员将使用DNA序列来估计遗传相似性，从而得出Penstemon的“家谱”，以便通过正确理解物种关系来解释观察到的花特征变化。生态学研究将集中在Penstemon花药特征影响花粉剂量大小和数量的方式上，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，当授粉动物频繁访问时，每次访问以较小剂量从花药释放花粉的植物将向其他植物捐赠更多花粉。作为花粉呈现理论的第一次检验，这项研究将有助于确定这些模型是否正确和有用。提高授粉机制的知识，可以帮助改善农业作物的替代授粉的经济评价。

ABSTRACT 97-07330 Wilson, Thomson, Wolfe, 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.