Pollinator Experience, Neophobia, And The Evolution Of Flowering Time

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 03 Dec 2008 - 5:00 PST

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Experiments with bumble bees and artificial flowers show that bees avoid visiting types of flowers that are rare and with which they have no previous experience.

Such behaviour would reduce the likelihood of early-flowering plants being pollinated, because when a species first comes into flower it is both uncommon and unfamiliar to pollinators. Simulations show that this could prevent the evolution of early flowering, which might otherwise be favoured when late-season growing conditions deteriorate.

This could cause declines in plant populations that are already facing pollinator shortages and habitat loss, and is of particular concern given future climate change scenarios.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences