ISSN:
1573-8477
Keywords:
bats
;
breeding systems
;
Cactaceae
;
gene flow
;
genetic diversity
;
gynodioecy
;
pollinator abundance
;
trioecy
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The Sonoran Desert columnar cactus Pachycereus pringlei has a geographically variable, non-hermaphroditic breeding system. It is trioecious (separate males, females and hermaphrodites) in the northern two-thirds of its range in Sonora, Mexico, and in the southern three-quarters of its range in Baja California, Mexico, and is gynodioecious (separate females and hermaphrodites) elsewhere. Trioecy occurs near known maternity roosts of its major pollinator, the nectar-feeding bat Leptonycteris curasoae; gynodioecy occurs〉50km from known bat roosts. The observed geographic patterns cannot be explained by limited gene flow or by the geographic distributions of diurnal avian pollinators. Our field observations plus a theoretical analysis suggest that the abundance of chiropteran pollinators plays an important role in the maintenance of trioecy in this plant. Under pollinator limitation, trioecy can be a stable breeding system in this species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1006548132606
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