Meeting Abstract

25.2  Wednesday, Jan. 5  Evolution as an Ecological Force: Evolution of Inflorescence Size Causes a Shift in the Plant-associated Insect Community SMITH, D.S.*; SHUSTER, S.M.; TURK, P.; WHITHAM, T.G.; Northern Arizona University; Northern Arizona University; West Virginia University; Northern Arizona University dss44@nau.edu

We show that natural selection and subsequent evolution of plant traits results in a change in how plants interact with their associated pollinator community. The essence of ecology strives to understand the distribution of species and how they interact with their abiotic and biotic environment. In this study, we show that evolution of one plant species can be an ecological force, shaping the presence and absence of pollinators and how they interact with the focal plant. Using Solidago velutina as a study system, we hypothesized and demonstrate three patterns: 1) inflorescence size is a heritable plant trait, 2) by foraging on the largest plants, ungulates are acting as agents of natural selection, which is 3) causing an evolutionary change in inflorescence size and how the plants attract and interact with pollinators. These results demonstrate that ecology and evolution are one in the same; specifically, that evolution can be an ecological force, shaping patterns of species distribution and interaction.