Within-individual phenotypic plasticity in flowers fosters pollination niche shift

José M. Gómez (), Francisco Perfectti (), Cristina Armas (), Eduardo Narbona, Adela González-Megías, Luis Navarro, Lucía DeSoto and Rubén Torices
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José M. Gómez: Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC)
Francisco Perfectti: Universidad de Granada
Cristina Armas: Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC)
Eduardo Narbona: Universidad Pablo de Olavide
Adela González-Megías: Universidad de Granada
Luis Navarro: Universidad de Vigo
Lucía DeSoto: Estación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA-CSIC)
Rubén Torices: Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of a genotype of producing different phenotypes when exposed to different environments, may impact ecological interactions. We study here how within-individual plasticity in Moricandia arvensis flowers modifies its pollination niche. During spring, this plant produces large, cross-shaped, UV-reflecting lilac flowers attracting mostly long-tongued large bees. However, unlike most co-occurring species, M. arvensis keeps flowering during the hot, dry summer due to its plasticity in key vegetative traits. Changes in temperature and photoperiod in summer trigger changes in gene expression and the production of small, rounded, UV-absorbing white flowers that attract a different assemblage of generalist pollinators. This shift in pollination niche potentially allows successful reproduction in harsh conditions, facilitating M. arvensis to face anthropogenic perturbations and climate change.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17875-1

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