Flower color variation in Phlox drummondii has been hypothesized to be an example of reinforcement (14). The geographic range of this species partly overlaps with that of a congener, P. cuspidata, in eastern Texas.
Both species have the light-blue (sometimes called violet or pink) flower color characteristic of most Phlox species in allopatric areas of their ranges, whereas P. drummondii has. Patterns of neutral genetic variation across the range of P.
drummondii suggest extensive gene flow between allopatric and sympatric popula-tions, indicating that natural selection and not genetic drift is likely responsible for the geo-. The study identifies cis. A classic example of reproductive character displacement, presumed to be caused by reinforcing selection, is flower-color variation in the native Texas wildflower Phlox drummondii.
Here, we use population genetic analyses to investigate molecular signatures of selection on flower. Here, we quantify the strength of reinforcing selection in the Texas wildflower Phlox drummondii using a strategy that weds a population genetic model with field data. Reinforcement in this system is caused by variation in two loci that affect flower color [12].
We investigate flower color divergence in the wildflower Phlox drummondii, which is caused by reinforcement in the regions sympatric with its congener Phlox cuspidata. Specifically, we performed common garden field experiments and pollinator observations to estimate selection acting on flower color variation in allopatry. Floral-color divergence in the native Texas wildflower, Phlox drummondii, constitutes one of the best documented cases of reinforcement in plants.
P. drummondii and a closely related species, P. cuspidata produce similar light.
We investigate flower color divergence in the wildflower Phlox drummondii, which is caused by reinforcement in the regions sympatric with its congener Phlox cuspidata. Specifically, we performed common garden field experiments and pollinator obser. Flower color variation in Phlox drummondii has been hypothesized to be an example of reinforcement (14).
The geographic range of this species partly overlaps with that of a congener, P. cuspidata, in eastern Texas. Reinforcement in Texas Phlox represents one case study in which all criteria have been met (see Figure 1).
Phlox drummondii has light-blue flower color throughout most of its range; but where it overlaps with the sister species Phlox cuspidata, which also has light-blue flower color, P. drummondii has dark.