Hybridization and speciation in angiosperms: a role for pollinator shifts?

BMC Biol. 2010 Apr 21:8:45. doi: 10.1186/1741-7007-8-45.

Abstract

The majority of convincingly documented cases of hybridization in angiosperms has involved genetic introgression between the parental species or formation of a hybrid species with increased ploidy; however, homoploid (diploid) hybridization may be just as common. Recent studies, including one in BMC Evolutionary Biology, show that pollinator shifts can play a role in both mechanisms of hybrid speciation.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Gene Flow / genetics
  • Gene Flow / physiology
  • Genetic Speciation*
  • Hybridization, Genetic / genetics
  • Hybridization, Genetic / physiology*
  • Magnoliopsida / classification
  • Magnoliopsida / genetics
  • Magnoliopsida / physiology*
  • Pollination / genetics
  • Pollination / physiology*