Abstract Detail

Macroevolution

Koski, Matthew Harold [1], Ashman, Tia-Lynn [2].

Abiotic contributions to flower color pattern variation in the Potentilla group (Rosaceae).

Flower color and pattern are commonly studied from the perspective of their role in mediating plant-pollinator interactions, but the abiotic environment has also been demonstrated to impact floral traits. We have shown that ultraviolet (UV) patterns on flowers vary latitudinally on a global scale, and altitudinally on regional scales within a species. Here, we test whether biogeography and bioclimatic variables contribute to UV pattern diversification in the large Potentilla group. We use a phylogenetic comparative approach across 186 species in Potentilla and closely related genera to determine whether the presence of UV pattern, or quantitative variation in UV pigmentation covary with biogeography (latitude, altitude), and abiotic conditions (UV, temperature, rainfall). We find that the presence of UV pattern, but not quantitative variation in UV pigmentation displays significant phylogenetic signal. Across this wide taxonomic data set, flowers of species that occur at higher altitudes have larger areas of UV-absorbing pigmentation. Higher UV pigmentation is associated with cooler temperatures and higher UV irradiance. Taken together, results suggest that factors contributing to macroevolutionary patterns of UV floral variation may be similar to those shaping variation at the species-level.

1 - University Of Pittsburgh, Biological Sciences, 4249 Fifth Avenue, 216 Clapp Hall, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
2 - University Of Pittsburgh, Department Of Biological Sciences, 4249 Fifth Avenue & Ruskin, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

Keywords:
flower color
natural selection
Phylogenetic signal
Potentilla
pollination
ultraviolet.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 3
Location: Salon 3/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 10:15 AM
Number: 3009
Abstract ID:1079
Candidate for Awards:None