Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Nov. 2, 2024
A contemporary interpretation of Dollo's Law is that the evolution specialized structures irreversible. Among land plants, reproductive specialization shows a trend toward increasing complexity without reversion, raising questions about evolutionary steps and irreversibility complexity. Ferns, exhibit varied strategies, some are dimorphic (producing separate leaves for photosynthesis reproduction), while others monomorphic (where one leaf used both spore dispersal). This diversity provides an opportunity to examine applicability in across plants. We analyzed 118 species Blechnaceae Onocleaceae using quantitative morphometrics phylogenetic comparative methods test pillars irreversibility. The dimorphism neither stepwise nor irreversible, with direct transitions from monomorphism dimorphism, including several reversions. In contrast, upon further fertile dispersal, suggesting additional specialization, not alone, may facilitate These results provide insight into canalization fertile-sterile seed where traits like heterospory ovules lead potential findings suggest as new evolve alongside pre-existing ones, reversion become increasingly unlikely.
Language: Английский