Polimorfismos de color floral: causas e implicaciones evolutivas

Narbona, E., Buide, M.L., Casimiro-Soriguer, I., del Valle, J.C. 2014. Flower color polymorphisms: causes and evolutionary implications. Ecosistemas 23(3): 36-47. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2014.23-3.06 In this review, current knowledge about the ability of some species to produce individuals with different petal color, both within and among populations, is evaluated. We first make a historical survey of the most influential studies on flower color polymorphism. Pigments and other factors affecting final flower color are also analysed. Although a great diversity of floral polymorphisms may exist, those caused by the loss of anthocyanins are most frequent in wild species. We study how the anthocyanins are originated in cells, and the genetic factors that control their production. Furthermore, we review the selective factors that may help to maintain flower color polymorphisms: pollinators may act directly, whereas other agents, both biotic (herbivores) and abiotic (temperature, drought, solar radiation, etc.), may act indirectly or pleiotropically. Lastly, suggestions for future studies are made.