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Abstract PremiseThe evolution of carnivorous pitcher traps across multiple angiosperm lineages represents a classic example of morphological convergence. Nevertheless, no comparative study to‐date has examined pitcher evolution from a quantitative morphometric perspective. MethodsIn the present study, we used comparative morphometric approaches to quantify the shape space occupied byHeliamphorapitchers and to trace evolutionary trajectories through this space to examine patterns of divergence and convergence within the genus. We also investigated pitcher development, and, how the packing of pitchers is affected by crowding, a common condition in their natural environments. ResultsOur results showed thatHeliamphorapitchers have diverged along three main axes in morphospace: (1) pitcher curvature; (2) nectar spoon elaboration; and (3) pitcher stoutness. Both curvature and stoutness are correlated with pitcher size, suggesting structural constraints in pitcher morphological evolution. Among the four traits (curvature, spoon elaboration, stoutness, and size), all but curvature lacked phylogenetic signal and showed marked convergence across the phylogeny. We also observed tighter packing of pitchers in crowded conditions, and this effect was most pronounced in curved, slender pitchers. ConclusionsOverall, our study demonstrates that diversification and convergent evolution of carnivory‐related traits extends to finer evolutionary timescales, reinforcing the notion that ecological specialization may not necessarily be an evolutionary dead end.
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This content will become publicly available on April 12, 2026
Construction costs and tradeoffs in carnivorous pitcher plant leaves: towards a pitcher leaf economics spectrum
Abstract BackgroundLeaf economics theory holds that physiological constraints to photosynthesis have a role in the coordinated evolution of multiple leaf traits, an idea that can be extended to carnivorous plants occupying a particular trait space that is constrained by key costs and benefits. Pitcher traps are modified leaves that may face steep photosynthetic costs: a high-volume, three-dimensional tubular structure may be less efficient than a flat lamina. While past research has investigated the photosynthetic costs of pitchers, the exact suite of constraints shaping pitcher trait variation remain under-explored, including constraints to carnivorous function. ScopeIn this review, we describe various constraints arising from the dual photosynthetic and carnivorous functions of pitchers arising from developmental, functional, budgetary and environmental factors. In addition, we identify the data required to establish the leaf economics spectrum (LES) for carnivorous pitcher plants (CPPs), and – owing to the multifunctional roles of pitcher leaves – discuss difficulties in placing pitchers onto existing frameworks. ConclusionBecause pitcher traps serve multiple functions, both photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition (carnivory), they are difficult to place in the context of the LES, especially in light of a current lack of trait data. We describe a spectrum across the independent CPP lineages in approaches to balancing carnivory–photosynthesis tradeoffs. Future efforts to collect relevant data can clarify the forces that shape observed pitcher trait variation, and increase understanding of principles that may be ultimately generalized to other plants.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2030871
- PAR ID:
- 10659620
- Publisher / Repository:
- Oxford University Press
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Annals of Botany
- Volume:
- 135
- Issue:
- 7
- ISSN:
- 0305-7364
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1261 to 1280
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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