Evidence for an evo-devo-derived hypothesis on three-dimensional flower shape modularity in a tropical orchid clade
- Author(s)
- Silvia Artuso, Alexander Gamisch, Yannick M. Staedler, Jürg Schönenberger, Hans Peter Comes
- Abstract
Abstract Covarying suites of phenotypic traits, or modules, are increasingly recognized to promote morphological evolution. However, information on how modularity influences flower diversity is rare and lacking for Orchidaceae. Here, we combine high-resolution X-ray computed tomography scanning with three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to test various hypotheses about three-dimensional patterns of flower evolutionary modularity in Malagasy Bulbophyllum orchids and examine rates and modes of module evolution. Based on the four evolutionary modules identified (i.e., sepals, lateral petals, labellum + column-foot, and column-part), our data support the hypothesis that both genetic-developmental and functional adaptive factors shaped evolutionary flower trait covariation in these tropical orchids. In line with ?evo-devo? studies, we also find that the labellum evolved independently from the rest of the petal whorl. Finally, we show that modules evolved with different rates, and either in a neutral fashion (only column-part) or under selective constraints, as likely imposed by pollinators. Overall, this study supports current views that modular units can enhance the range and rate of morphological evolution.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research
- External organisation(s)
- Paris-Lodron Universität Salzburg
- Journal
- Evolution
- Volume
- 76
- Pages
- 2587-2604
- No. of pages
- 18
- ISSN
- 0014-3820
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14621
- Publication date
- 09-2022
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 106008 Botany, 106012 Evolutionary research, 106042 Systematic botany
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/66059c50-71c3-4c35-9474-2a3c9751cf9f