Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) and the long-tongued fly pollination guild: coevolution and polymorphism in a specialized pollination system

摘要: In South Africa, a group of long-tongued flies and the flowering plants they pollinate form unique diverse pollination guild system almost entirely endemic to Greater Cape Floristic Region. This makes up only small portion biodiversity Region, but it is likely key understanding evolutionary processes that have lead observed biodiversity. Aside from its unusual pollinators, this particular interest due extremely labile morphology both fly species associated plant species, which geographically vary significantly in proboscis lengths floral traits, depending on composition local community. leads remarkable polymorphic diversity within an otherwise obligately mutualistic system. paper, information about their collected, reviewed synthesized. The system, especially focal genus Pelargonium, also reviewed, given high percentage Pelargonium are or facultatively pollinated by flies. A revision suggested introducing sub-guild concept. Additionally, patterns adaptive shifts morphological changes analyzed as relate reciprocal adaptation, coevolution, process ecological speciation highly-endemic, biodiverse region Africa. synthesis indicates specialized mutualism may maximize efficiency continually shifting biotic abiotic environment. More intense specialization perhaps eventual occurs where pollinators exert continuous selection pressure each other over time. new venues study order better understand genetic environmental bases for