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Kalisz et al. focus on the mechanics of mating system evolution in their study of delayed selfing in blue-eyed Mary, Collinsia verna (Scrophulariaceae). They describe the mechanism of delayed selfing, rates of autonomous selfing, pollinator behavior, and evidence for pollinator limitation in natural populations. They suggest that delayed selfing may be overlooked in other species and could contribute to mixed mating. (see p. 1239)

Phylogeny and leaf function in plants

Ackerly and Reich apply the method of phylogenetic independent contrasts to a large data set of 100 seed plant species and show convincingly that interspecific relationships among leaf functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf life span, assimilation rates, etc.) reflect significant patterns of correlated evolutionary change. An exception are interspecific relationships between leaf function and leaf size, which primarily reflect a single divergence between conifers and angiosperms. These results support adaptive interpretations of leaf trait relationships and highlight the insights arising from phylogenetic approaches to comparative ecological data. (see p. 1272)

Probing the common cattail

Although VNTR DNA probes reveal more genetic variation in Typha latifolia (Typhaceae) at one site than has been found with isozyme sampling on continental scales, Keane et al. demonstrate that cattails also exhibit low VNTR marker variation. Still, variation is high enough to distinguish the extent of clonal spread and interdigitation in study plots. Additionally, these DNA fingerprinting techniques detect higher levels of genetic variability in populations of T. latifolia growing in chemically polluted sites. The authors discuss possible models for the observation of higher genetic variability in polluted sites. (see p. 1226)

Filling in the Laurales

Renner makes great progress toward a definitive phylogeny of one of the most important groups of primitive angiosperms, filling in gaps in taxon sampling for rbcL and analyzing new data from an intron and several intergenic spacers. Some results, such as removal from Laurales of Amborella, Austrobaileya, and Chloranthaceae, the first two to a position near Illiciales and Nymphaeales, and the composition of the remaining "core" Laurales, have been evident from previous studies of rbcL, 18S, and atpB, but others, particularly the association of Trimeniaceae with Austrobaileya and Illiciales, the basal position of Calycanthaceae in Laurales, and the split of the remaining Laurales into two main clades, are new and exciting. (see p. 1301)

This Article Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content