Same adaptations evolve across different insects
A study by Cornell University researchers found that same molecular changes confer resistance in multiple insect species across four orders, suggesting a high level of evolutionary repeatability
Plant Evolution
Articles tagged with Plant Evolution
Tamarisk biocontrol efforts get evolutionary boost
UC Santa Barbara scientists have found that the tamarisk leaf beetle has evolved to delay its entry into hibernation, allowing it to survive and reproduce in the southern US. This adaptation enables the beetle to effectively control the invasive tamarisk plant, providing a cost-effective solution for containing the weed.
Scientists urge new approaches to plant research
A Michigan State University professor and colleague discuss the importance of plant research in a paper published in Science. They highlight the need to improve our understanding of plant metabolism to develop more sustainable agriculture and medicinal products.
Earth history and evolution
A new study uses molecular clock methods to reconstruct the cypress family tree, revealing that their evolution reflects the break-up of Pangea. The research confirms that cypresses are a very old plant family with origins tracing back to 153 million years ago.
Genes may travel from plant to plant to fuel evolution
Researchers discover genes passed from plant to plant between species with distant kinship, contributing to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. This 'lateral gene transfer' allows plants to adapt to new environments by taking genes from others.
Bouquet bargains
A recent study by researchers at NESCent found that larger plant size can lead to bigger, more plentiful blooms, but accounting for overall size differences is crucial in detecting tradeoffs. The study tested three hypotheses and concluded that flower size-number tradeoffs are harder to spot due to various reasons.
The power of flowers: Research sprouts a closer look at sunflower genetics
A Kansas State University researcher is studying the genetic basis of natural variation in sunflowers, a process known as ecological or evolutionary genetics. The study has found that massive proliferation events of LTR retrotransposons contribute to the increase in genome size of hybrid species.
UF research on newly formed plants could lead to improved crop fertility
Researchers have found that newly formed plant species exhibit highly unstable genomes, which may lead to improved fertility and yields in crops such as wheat, corn, and broccoli. The study's findings could inform the development of polyploid crops with higher fertility and performance.
Seed time-capsule will aid study of plant evolution amid environmental change
The Koffler Scientific Reserve is launching a four-year project to collect seeds from 34 target species, which will be banked for 5-50 years. Researchers will analyze how these species react to changes in their surroundings, such as climate change and new land-use patterns.
Evolution and domestication of seed structure shown to use same genetic mutation
Researchers have identified a single nucleotide change that underlies variation in fruit morphology across different plant species, including Brassica and rice. This discovery suggests that evolutionary development may offer insights into plant breeding.
Adjustable valves gave ancient plants the edge
Researchers discovered that ancient plants like spikemosses had stomata that could open and close in response to light, carbon dioxide, and abscisic acid, a key plant hormone. This finding suggests that water-conserving innovations occurred early in plant evolution.
New plant species gives insights into evolution
Scientists discovered that the new plant species Tragopogon miscellus has relaxed gene expression control in its earliest generations, allowing it to rapidly adapt. After 80 years of evolution, different patterns of gene expression are now found in every plant, offering new ideas for agriculture.
Production of mustard oils: On the origin of an enzyme
Researchers isolated an enzyme from Arabidopsis thaliana that catalyzes glucosinolate formation and found it resembles an enzyme involved in leucine synthesis. This structural similarity enabled the plant to produce toxic compounds as a defense mechanism, highlighting the importance of small genetic changes in evolutionary adaptations.
Homoplasy: A good thread to pull to understand the evolutionary ball of yarn
Studying homoplasy helps scientists analyze overwhelming genetic data and identify evolution processes. Examples include salamander body length increase through individual vertebrae modification and flower petal evolution on multiple occasions.
Global warming may reroute evolution
Research at the University of Michigan suggests that rising carbon dioxide levels associated with global warming may affect interactions between plants and insects, altering the course of plant evolution. The study found that plant families responded differently to elevated carbon dioxide in their production of chemical and physical de...
Extinctions, loss of habitat harm evolutionary diversity
A recent study, led by Hélène Morlon, has found that evolutionary diversity is more sensitive to extinctions or habitat loss than previously thought. The researchers built an evolutionary tree tracing plant species back to their common ancestor and applied mathematical approaches to consider the impact of geographic separation on phylo...
Nightshades' mating habits strike uneasy evolutionary balance
A team of researchers led by Boris Igiâ31 and Emma Goldberg found that long-term evolutionary survival favors plants that avoid self-fertilization. This leads to greater genetic diversity among nightshade species. By avoiding self-fertilization, plants can more easily keep beneficial mutations and protect against harmful ones.
'Different forms of flowers' continues to fascinate
Researchers have discovered that Darwin's work on heterostylous flowers, a complex breeding system found in flowering plants, has significant economic implications. The study highlights the unique characteristics of heterostyly, which affects plant morphology, ecology, and evolution.
Lessons from the pond: Clues from green algae on the origin of males and females
Researchers at Salk Institute found that genetic region determining sex in green alga Volvox carteri has changed dramatically relative to its unicellular cousin Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The team discovered new genes added to the expanded mating locus, which control male/female reproductive cell development.
Move over predators: Plants can control the food chain too -- from the bottom up
New Cornell University research reveals how plants at the bottom of the food chain have evolved mechanisms that influence ecosystem dynamics. Plants have developed three main strategies to increase their biomass, including producing volatile compounds called sesquiterpenes that attract predators, which drive modern ecosystems' structure.
Can modern-day plants trace their New Zealand ancestry?
A recent study published in the American Journal of Botany explores the origins of New Zealand's flora. The research reveals that two ancient plant fossils from the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene period (28-15 mya) indicate a younger history for most groups of plants in the region.
Charles Darwin: More than the origin
The American Journal of Botany presents two papers exploring botanical history before Darwin, his research on plant movements and orchids. Research reveals that Darwin's ideas on plant movements contributed to the discovery of auxin, a hormone essential in plant growth processes.
How did flowering plants evolve to dominate Earth?
Early flowering plants gained a competitive advantage through efficient leaf hydraulic systems, increasing photosynthetic capacity. This evolutionary step was triggered by low atmospheric CO2 levels and led to their dominance of land ecosystems.
Are humans still evolving? Absolutely, says a new analysis of a long-term survey of human health
A new analysis of a long-term survey of human health shows that humans are still evolving due to natural selection. The study found that the descendants of over 2000 women in the Framingham Heart Study will be slightly shorter and heavier, have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and reach menopause later in life.
Sex involved in plant defense
Researchers found that sexually produced evening primrose plants withstand caterpillar attacks better than asexual relatives. The study suggests that plant sex influences the evolution of defenses against herbivores.
Study of flower color shows evolution in action
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified genes that regulate flower color change, revealing a predictable pattern of evolution. The study found that hawkmoths prefer white or yellow flowers over red ones, driving natural selection to shift flower colors.
Billions of years ago, microbes were key in developing modern nitrogen cycle
Research found that microbes evolved to add oxygen to ammonia, producing nitrate, around 2.5 billion years ago. This marks the beginning of the aerobic nitrogen cycle, which is crucial for life today.
Annuals converted into perennials
Researchers have discovered that only two genes are necessary for converting annuals into perennials, allowing plants to store energy in specialized cells and continue growing for a long time. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and the evolution of plant life strategies.
Reproducing early and often is the key to rapid evolution in plants
Yale researchers have confirmed that plants with fast reproductive cycles exhibit more rapid rates of molecular evolution. Their study analyzed DNA sequence data for five major evolutionary lineages within flowering plants, revealing a clear pattern where shorter-lived species show greater variability in their rates of evolution.
A gene for sexual switching in melons provides clues to the evolution of sex
Researchers discovered a gene linked to melon sex switching, which suggests evolutionary selection favoring the mutation. This finding provides insights into the molecular basis of sex determination and different sexual systems in plants.
UT Knoxville professor finds unexpected key to flowering plants' diversity
A University of Tennessee at Knoxville researcher has found that the ability of flowering plants to quickly and efficiently move sperm through a part of the plant was the key to their evolutionary diversity. This ancient trait allowed plants to grow longer pollen tubes, enabling them to develop more complex flowers and larger seeds.
Milkweed's evolutionary approach to caterpillars: Counter appetite with fast repair
Researchers found milkweed plants have declined in three key defense traits against caterpillars, such as hairs, cardenolides and latex, but increased ability to regrow. This evolutionary trend may be an energy-efficient response to counter caterpillar attacks.
A special issue of the International Journal of Plant Sciences
This special issue of the International Journal of Plant Sciences presents exciting research on flower evolution, pollination, and reproductive strategies in flowering plants. The focus is on evolutionary transitions, which are key elements of biological diversification.
A link between greenhouse gases and the evolution of C4 grasses
A recent study suggests that changes in global carbon dioxide levels likely influenced the emergence of C4 grasses, a group of plants crucial for food and biofuels. The researchers found a correlation between the drop in CO2 levels 30 million years ago and the evolution of these grasses.
UF botanists: Flowering plants evolved very quickly into 5 groups
Researchers from UF and UT Austin analyzed DNA sequences to build a family tree for plants, revealing the five major lineages of flowering plants that exist today. The diversification is believed to have been sparked by various factors, including climate change and the emergence of new traits.
Tree of life for flowering plants reveals relationships among major groups
A new study reveals the evolutionary Tree of Life for flowering plants, with monocots and eudicots found to be more closely related than to other major lineages. The analysis of genomic data suggests a unique species called Amborella represents the earliest diverging lineage of flowering plants.
Iowa State University botanists identify new species of North American bamboo
Researchers identified a third native North American bamboo species, Arundinaria appalachiana, which differs from other two species in dropping its leaves in the fall. This discovery was made by Iowa State University botanists Lynn Clark and Jimmy Triplett, along with their colleague Alan Weakley.
Annual plants may cope with global warming better than long-living species
Researchers discovered that quick-growing plants like weeds can adapt in just a few years to climate change, whereas slower-growing plants struggle. This finding suggests that annual plants may thrive better in warmer conditions, leading to potential changes in Earth's plant life.
Two studies on bee evolution reveal surprises
Two studies on bee evolution support a new hypothesis that bees originated in Africa over 100 million years ago. The discovery of an ancient bee fossil in amber provides strong evidence for this theory.
Hail to the hornworts: New plant family tree sheds light on evolution of life cycles
A new study by University of Michigan researchers reveals that hornworts are the key to understanding the evolution of land plants, with their life cycle patterns providing clues to how they transitioned from water to land. The findings shed light on the origin and diversification of land-based ecosystems.
Massive duplication of genes may solve Darwin's 'abominable mystery' about flowering plants
A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that a massive whole-genome duplication event in early flowering plants could explain their rapid evolution. The team detected a concentration of duplicated genes, which is evidence of a whole-genome duplication event.
The evolutionary triumph of flower power
Researchers found that flowers induce immediate and long-term positive effects on emotional reactions, mood, social behaviors, and memory in both men and women. The evolutionary emotional niche model suggests that humans' emotional connection with flowers is a key factor in their survival and diversity.
DOE JGI announces 2006 Community Sequencing Program portfolio
The DOE JGI will make freely available 20 billion letters of genetic code through the Community Sequencing Program, targeting key areas like crop improvement, plant biology and renewable energy. This initiative aims to provide valuable insights into crops like sorghum, maize, millet, and sugarcane.
Sex versus survival: A tradeoff at geographical range limits
Research by Queen's University finds that northern plant populations switch from sexual to asexual reproduction due to genetic factors causing sterility. This shift allows for faster adaptation to harsher environments, but may impact management decisions and species survival.
Four IU professors are 2004 Guggenheim Fellows
Indiana University professors Christopher Beckwith, Mary Ellen Brown, Ellen Ketterson, and Loren Rieseberg have been awarded the prestigious 2004 Guggenheim Fellowships. The grants will support their research on topics including bird sexual behavior, plant species evolution, and Central Eurasian history.
University of Georgia scientists plot key events in plants' evolution
Scientists have identified two major gene duplication events in Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant, which occurred 200 million and 80 million years ago. These events are believed to be responsible for the differences among modern plants.
Darwin's letters being sent to Galapagos Islands as part of Darwin Correspondence Project
The Darwin Correspondence Project has published 12 of a projected 32-volume set of Darwin's letters, shedding light on his evolutionary ideas. The project is sending these volumes back to the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos, where Darwin's research began.
Unfolding how to make a leaf
Researchers found that KNOX1 genes are expressed in all plants with complex leaves, such as tomatoes and ferns. The study revealed that some simple-leaved plants, like maize, have previously grown complex leaves but evolved to have simpler ones.
Common native plant of great plains may be threatened by climate change
A study by Julie Etterson found that native prairie plants like the partridge pea may not adapt quickly enough to changing climate conditions. The plants' evolutionary responses to drought and heat are unlikely to keep pace with the predicted rate of climate change, threatening their survival.
Galapagos finches sing different mating songs due to evolutionary diversification of beaks, says UMass biologist
A new study suggests that the shape of a bird's beak affects its courtship song, with smaller beaks producing quicker, more varied melodies. This finding has implications for our understanding of speciation, as different songs may help distinguish between species.
Evidence Appears Strong To Bolster Concept Of Co-Evolution, Scientists Say
Researchers May R. Berenbaum and Arthur R. Zangerl found that webworms and parsnips in the Midwest have adapted to each other, with levels of detoxification enzymes matching those of defensive compounds produced by plants. This suggests a reciprocal evolutionary change between interacting species.