Abstract Detail

Polymorphism - from morphology to interactions

Flower colour polymorphism: Ecological drivers, evolutionary consequences, and what selection has to do with it.

Flwoer colour is the most pretty phenotypic variation on earth. While much knowledge accumulated on the genetics, biochemnical, ecological and evolutionary aspects of floral colour, it is mostly for uniform within-species colour, or between-specied colour shift. Within-population colour polymorphism is less understood, despite its potential to serve as a test case for the evolution of natural variation.
Four major processes are proposed to maintain stable within-population flower colour polymorphism: Heterozygote advantage, frequency-dependent selection, balancing selection and random/neutral processes. I the talk I will review the current knowledge on these drivers, and present examples from irises, anemones, and flax.

Related Links:
http://labsapir.wix.com/labsapir

1 - Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, TA, 69978, Israel

Keywords:
Phenotypic variation
Pollination
Genetic variation
non-pollinator agents of selection
pollinator-mediated selection
natural selection.

Presentation Type: Colloquium Presentations
Number: C2002
Abstract ID:1002
Candidate for Awards:None