The evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems

Authors: BYERS, DIANE - ILLINOIS STATE UNIV; Brunet, Johanne

Submitted to: Botanical Society of America Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2007
Publication Date: 7/1/2007
Citation: Byers, D., Brunet, J. 2007. The evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems [abstract]. Botany & Plant Biology 2007 Joint Congress, July 7-11, 2007, Chicago, Illinois. Paper No. 719.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems, where both selfing and outcrossing occur in a population, remains an important unresolved question in evolutionary biology. On the one hand the majority of theoretically models predict mixed mating systems to be evolutionary unstable with populations evolving towards complete selfing or complete outcrossing. On the other hand empirical studies have found expression of mixed mating in a variety of plant species. This dilemma could indicate that mixed mating systems are unstable or that the theoretical models have failed to consider important parameters that influence the stability of mixed mating systems. This symposium highlights a diversity of studies where the evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems have been assessed. Some speakers introduce mixed mating systems in the context of the breakdown of self-incompatibility and the presence of gynodioecious breeding systems. Other talks emphasize the role of morphological, ecological and genetic factors such as floral display size, pollinator type, pollinator visitation history, inbreeding depression and pollen discounting in the evolution and maintenance of mixed mating systems. Collectively the approaches consider the ecological and population context as well as the fitness consequences of mixed mating systems. These presentations will shed light on whether mixed mating systems are adaptive and in what context they are maintained.