Evolutionary convergence of bird-pollinated floral traits
Ornithophilly (or bird pollination) has evolved in different plant lineages across different geographic regions and under the selective pressure of a wide diversity of birds species. Several floral traits are usually linked to this pollination syndrome, such as red-orange flowers and copious nectar; however, birds as a functional group are diverse in terms of energy demand (specialist vs. generalist) and visual system (ultraviolet sensitive vs. violet sensitive), and this influences the selection pressure exerted on the floral traits involved in attraction and reward. To date, there is not a comprehensive analysis of the convergent evolution of the floral traits involved in this syndrome across wide geographic regions.
My long term goal in this area is to explore the convergent evolution of pigment composition, petal epidermal surface, and nectar and scent composition across different geographic regions where these floral traits have evolved under the selection pressure of different bird families. My strategy is first to characterize these floral traits in different plant lineages that converged into this syndrome within and among different geographic regions. This is a long-term project that aims to disentangle the many pollination strategies under the term ornitophilly.
My long term goal in this area is to explore the convergent evolution of pigment composition, petal epidermal surface, and nectar and scent composition across different geographic regions where these floral traits have evolved under the selection pressure of different bird families. My strategy is first to characterize these floral traits in different plant lineages that converged into this syndrome within and among different geographic regions. This is a long-term project that aims to disentangle the many pollination strategies under the term ornitophilly.