How has chemical communication tracked an evolutionary radiation?
Chemical communication is a complex mediator of plant reproduction. Floral scent can attract mutualists like pollinators or antagonists (herbivores and parasites). Scent can undergo selection of the same magnitude as for visual traits. Following local adaptation, scent blends may reflect habitat-specific biotic and abiotic selection pressures. Distinct blends of floral volatiles may attract specific pollinators, leading to reproductive isolation and potentially plant speciation. The study of floral volatile macroevolution could determine how chemical diversification coincides with evolutionary shifts in pollinators and plant breeding systems.
With Ann Sakai, Stephen Weller, and Diane Campbell, I am examining the coincident historical patterns of volatile blends and pollination modes. As a model system, I am studying Schiedea, a monophyletic genus of 32 extant species that underwent multiple shifts in pollination, breeding system, and habitat during its adaptive radiation across the Hawaiian Islands.
Our publication on the recently discovered specialized pollinator of O’ahu Schiedea:
Our publication showing how different components of floral scent are synchronized with activity of that specialized pollinator:
Our new paper describing how the scent of a close relative of these two moth-pollinated species that is wind-pollinated also varies from day to night, and has diverged among islands and sexes: