Rapid plant evolution driven by the interaction of pollination and herbivory

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aav6962
• Publication Date: 2019-08-09T16:47:45Z
• Authors: Sergio E. Ramos; Florian P. Schiestl
• Keywords: Selfing; Brassica rapa; Plant reproduction

Pollination and herbivory are both key drivers of plant diversity but traditionally studied in isolation from each other. We investigated real-time evolutionary changes traits over six generations by using fast-cycling Brassica rapa plants manipulating the presence absence bumble bee pollinators leaf herbivores. found that under selection evolved increased floral attractiveness, this process was compromised Plants herbivores higher degrees self-compatibility autonomous selfing, as well reduced spatial separation sexual organs (herkogamy). Overall, evolution most affected interaction pollination herbivory, emphasizing importance cross-talk between types interactions for evolution.