Abstract Detail

Macroevolution

Zell, Anne [1], Grady, Erin [4], Miranda, Charlotte [2], Igic, Boris [3], Grossenbacher, Dena [4].

Species’ life history traits interact to predict island colonization in a global dataset of >3000 species.

Establishing a new population critically depends on finding mates. In plants, self-compatible breeding systems, long life spans, generalized pollination syndromes and fleshy animal dispersed fruits may all increase the odds of finding a mate, particularly in isolated locales such as remote islands. While there is ample empirical support for the role of breeding system in island colonization (Baker 1955), less is known about the role of other traits and trait interactions on island colonization. Here we use a global dataset of >3000 species to determine which species’ traits and trait combinations predict island occurrence, while accounting for correlated trait evolution. We find that while many life history traits are indeed associated with increased island colonization, that this is largely driven by their correlated evolution with breeding system. Thus, it appears that breeding system is the primary driver of island colonization globally relative to other life history traits, lending yet more support for Baker’s idea that the capacity for uniparental reproduction facilitates population establishment following long distance dispersal.

1 - California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, California, 93407, United States
2 - San Jose State University, Department of Environmental Studies, San Jose, California
3 - University of Illinois Chicago, 1200 West Harrison St., Chicago, IL, 60607
4 - California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401, United States

Keywords:
breeding system
Self-compatibility
correlated trait evolution
biogeography.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: MACRO II006
Abstract ID:570
Candidate for Awards:None