Morning glory adaptation rate drops 96% as pollinators reshape evolution
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A University of Michigan study found a 96% decline in morning glory adaptation rate over nine years as plants evolve to attract pollinators instead of adapting to climate change. The trade-off reduces the population's ability to cope with warming temperatures. The findings were published in Evolution Letters.
The Study
Researchers at the University of Michigan tracked morning glory populations over nine years, measuring adaptation rates. They observed a 96% decrease in the rate of adaptation, from an initial positive rate to near zero. The study is published in Evolution Letters.
Evolutionary Trade-off
The decline is linked to a shift in selective pressure: as pollinator populations crash, plants evolve traits to attract remaining pollinators rather than adapting to rising temperatures. This trade-off reduces the population's overall adaptive capacity. Morning glory is considered an agricultural weed, and its declining adaptation could affect farmers.
What's Next
The researchers plan to investigate whether similar trade-offs occur in other plant species. It remains unclear how quickly pollinator populations might recover or whether plants can reverse the adaptation decline.
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Morning glory adaptation rate drops 96% as pollinators reshape evolution
