Insects a Prime Driver in Plant Evolution and Diversity

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121004141745.htm

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A caterpillar of the evening primrose moth (Schinia florida) devouring a flower bud of common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These moths exclusively feed on the flowers and fruits of evening primrose and in response to natural selection imposed by this and other specialist moths, evening primrose populations evolve to flower later and to produce high levels of toxic chemicals called ellagitannins in their fruits. This evolution effectively reduces damage of the plant’s reproductive organs and progeny. (Credit: Marc Johnson)

ScienceDaily (Oct. 4, 2012) — Take a good look around on your next nature hike. Not only are you experiencing the wonders of the outdoors -- you're probably also witnessing evolution in action.

New research from the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) on the effect of insects on plant populations has shown that evolution can happen more quickly than was previously assumed, even over a single generation. The study is to be published in the Oct. 5 issue of Science.

"Scientists have long hypothesized that the interaction between plants and insects has led to much of the diversity we see among plants, including crops, but until now we had limited direct experimental evidence," says Marc Johnson, Assistant Professor in the UTM Department of Biology. "This research fills a fundamental gap in our understanding of how natural selection by insects causes evolutionary changes in plants as they adapt, and demonstrates how rapidly these changes can happen in nature."