Abstract Detail

Development and Structure

Vergolino, Carolina [1], Joly, Simon [1].

Comparative analysis of corolla shape transitions in the non-model sister genera Gesneria and Rhytidophyllum (Gesneriaceae).

The importance of flowers to plant fitness is widely known. Flower shape, more specifically, is associated with the mechanical fit between the pollinators and the reproductive organs of flowers, which directly impact the reproduction of the plant. The non-model sister genera Gesneria and Rhytidophyllum (Gesneriaceae) consist of 81 species with diverse corolla shapes. That includes generalist species with bell-shaped corollas, which are pollinated by hummingbirds and bats, and specialist species with tubular corollas, pollinated strictly by hummingbirds. Both types of flowers have evolved multiple times in the group. In order to better understand the origin of this morphological convergence, we investigate whether the specialists and generalists also converge in patterns of cellular shape along the corolla. The length and width of cells were measured along the petals of several species of both pollination strategies to obtain their cellular profiles. Results show that the convergence observed at the morphological level is also present in aspects of cellular shape. In particular, generalists differ from specialists by having greater lateral anisotropy in the distal petal. The data suggests that cell morphology is important for producing the three-dimensional corolla shape in this group.

1 - Université de Montréal, Department of Biological Sciences, Montréal, QC, Canada

Keywords:
Gesneriaceae
convergence
flower shape.

Presentation Type: Poster
Number: PDS003
Abstract ID:208
Candidate for Awards:Developmental and Structural Section best poster