Asymmetry of floral structures and the possibility of self-pollination in Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae), November 2008

Alternative Title

Asimetría de las estructuras florales y la posibilidad de auto-polinización en Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae)

Creator

Lindsay Brownell

Files

Publication Date

November 2008

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes of the pervasive asymmetry found in the neotropical orchid Oerstedella exasperata. Previous studies have found that high levels of asymmetry decrease reproductive success, and can be caused by a high amount of homozygosity within a population. This study tested the ability of O. exasperata to self-pollinate, a condition that indicates the possibility of a high level of homozygosity. In addition, the relationships between three degrees of asymmetry and floral color, floral mass, plant size and sun exposure were investigated to determine whether higher asymmetry is correlated with lower reproductive success or reduced overall plant fitness. Results showed an overall trend suggesting that self-pollination is possible, which implies that O. exasperata’s high level of asymmetry could be caused by homozygosity. Floral asymmetry was not related to any of the other examined factors, implying that it is a neutral trait that does not affect the overall fitness of this species of orchid. These results contradict other studies’ findings that asymmetry is detrimental to plant health, indicating that O. exasperata could be an exception to the general rule that symmetry indicates superior genetics in plants.

Resumen

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar las causas de asimetría en la orquídea neotropical Oerstedella exasperata. Estudios anteriores han reportado que los niveles elevados de asimetría bajan el éxito reproductivo, y pueden ser causados por homocigosis alta en una población. Este estudio probo la capacidad de O. exasperata de auto-polinizarse, una condición que indica la posibilidad de un nivel alto de homocigosis.

Keywords

Flowers--Morphology, Orchids, Orchids--Pollination, CIEE Fall 2008

Palabras claves

Flores--Morfología, Orquídeas, Orquídeas polinización, CIEE Otoño 2008

Extent

11 pages

Geographic Location

Monteverde (Puntarenas, Costa Rica)

Holding Location

Monteverde Institute

Language

English; Spanish

Media Type

Articles

Format

Digital Only

Identifier

M39-00491

Type

Book

Recommended Citation

Brownell, Lindsay, "Asymmetry of floral structures and the possibility of self-pollination in Oerstedella exasperata (Orchidaceae), November 2008" (2008). Monteverde Institute: Tropical Ecology and Conservation. 18.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/18