Organismal duplication, inclusive fitness theory, and altruism: understanding the evolution of endosperm and the angiosperm reproductive syndrome.

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.9.3913
• Publication Date: 2006-05-31T13:31:59Z
• Authors: W E Friedman
• Keywords: Double fertilization; Altruism; Genetic Fitness

For almost a century, events relating to the evolutionary origin of endosperm, unique embryo-nourishing tissue that is essential reproductive process in flowering plants, have remained mystery. Integration recent advances phylogenetic reconstruction, comparative biology, and genetic theory can be used elucidate forces associated with establishment endosperm. Endosperm shown derived from one two embryos formed during rudimentary "double fertilization" evolved ancestors angiosperms. Acquisition behavior (with accompanying loss individual fitness) by this supernumerary fertilization product was dependent upon compensatory gains inclusive fitness related embryos. The result original products double highly modified embryo/organism reproduces cryptically through enhances its embryo within seed. Finally, although triploid endosperm remains synapomorphy angiosperms, analysis demonstrates properties initially diploid condition.