DELPH, Lynda F.*; ASHMAN, Tia-Lynn; Indiana University; University of Pittsburgh: Traits affecting mate acquisition in flowering plants: harmony vs. opposition among traits and sex functions

Sexual selection can occur in plants even though individuals do not directly interact via a process known as interaction-independent sexual selection.� For example, if variation exists among individuals in flower production and this affects their attractiveness to pollinators, then individuals with relatively high flower production may achieve relatively high mating success via pollen donation.� We review research on a variety of traits in flowering plants that affect pollinator visitation, with the underlying premise being that these can influence mate acquisition.� In some cases research has shown that phenotypes that enhance pollen donation can be antagonistic to fitness achieved via female function, while in other cases both sex functions select for the same phenotype.� We also highlight different approaches researchers have taken to address these issues, including studies on gynodioecious species, which contain both hermaphrodites and females. Examples include manipulations of flowers to hone in on the traits that actually contribute to pollinator discrimination, phenotypic selection analyses, and quantitative-genetic parameter estimation.