Insect populations have declined to the point where plants now take reproduction “with their own hands” (or petals). They are increasingly evolving to self-pollinate rather than relying on dwindling insects to carry pollen everywhere.
Millions of years of evolution have been disrupted
This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Montpellier in France, after conducting a genetic analysis of modern field pansies (Fuelarvensis) and old flowers grown from seeds collected in previous decades.
According to the research team, disrupting 100 million years of evolution would likely have serious consequences.
It can accelerate the decline of insects and make plant populations less diverse and more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Population genetic analysis shows a twenty-seven percent increase in the rate of self-pollination in the region during this period The researchers said Science Alert Online scientific portal. – This indicates strong growth of “decisive” pansies as well as self-pollination.
They added that traits have been documented to evolve into smaller, less conspicuous flowers, reduced nectar production, and reduced attractiveness to hummingbirds, and these traits were consistent across the four populations studied.
According to the results, the surface area of Venus decreased by about ten percent on average compared to what it was twenty to thirty years ago. While the level of nectar production decreased by twenty percent. the New Botanist A study published in a scientific journal showed that modern plants are visited less frequently by insects.
The main change is the move to self-pollination
According to the researchers, the feedback loop is clearly visible: fewer insects means fewer pollinator visits, so the effort and energy the plant puts into producing nectar and making itself attractive is wasted, so to speak.
As the plant's petals shrink in size, it reduces nectar production, giving insects less reason to stop.
Other characteristics of field pansies, including leaf size and overall plant size, have not changed significantly over the decades. Scientists say this suggests that the main change is a shift to self-pollination when it comes to reproduction.
We already know that flowers can evolve rapidly in order to maximize their chances of survival, but let's not forget the dangers of inbreeding to genetic diversity and ultimately the extinction of the plant species affected. Experts noted. This study demonstrates that plant reproductive systems can evolve rapidly in natural populations in response to ongoing environmental change.
The team behind the study now wants to do more to protect insects from threats posed by habitat loss and global warming. They know that these major human-driven processes are causing huge damage to insect species and are now affecting the flowers they pollinate.
