Claim · model-written summary
The review supports selection for nectar secondary metabolites as an adaptation driving co-evolution between plants and pollinators.
- Taxon
- plantsViridiplantaee0
- Interactor
- pollinatorse0pollinator
- Outcome
- co‐evolution between plants and their pollinatorse0
- Qualifier
- secondary metabolites in floral nectare0
Not reportedMaterialGeneCompoundOrgan / stageSecond interactorSecond interactor roleTreatmentComparatorSettingDirectionValue
Verbatim
e0“supports selection for secondary metabolites in floral nectar as an adaptation that drives the co‐evolution between plants and their pollinators”
Title
Plant secondary metabolites in nectar: impacts on pollinators and ecological functions
Philip C. Stevenson; Susan W. Nicolson; Geraldine A. Wright Functional Ecology 2016. doi:10.1111/1365-2435.12761
Other claims from this paper (10)
- Observation The review finds evidence that nectar secondary metabolites can mediate specialization in plant–pollinator interactions.
- Observation The review finds potential for nectar secondary metabolites to protect nectar from robbery or larceny.
- Observation Nectar secondary metabolites may preserve nectar nutrients against microbial degradation and reduce disease levels in pollinators.
- Observation Nectar secondary metabolites can be toxic or repellent to flower visitors.
- Observation Nectar secondary metabolites can go undetected or make nectar more apparent or attractive to flower visitors.
- Association The biological effects of nectar secondary metabolites depend on concentration.
- Observation At naturally occurring concentrations, nectar caffeine improves honeybee memory for food reward odours.
- Observation Nectar caffeine enhances pollen transfer at naturally occurring concentrations.
- Observation At higher concentrations, nectar caffeine repels honeybees.
- Mechanism Nectar metabolites may instead reflect their defensive role elsewhere in the plant.