The role of plant reproductive traits in colonization: a global perspective

Colonization of new habitats is a well-documented response to global climate change. A plants ability to self-reproduce is predicted to provide an advantage in colonization of new habitats. However, many plant species have evolved mechanisms to prevent self-reproduction. This project explores reproductive traits in the plant family Campanulaceae in relation to their ability to self-reproduce. Funds will support my travel to international botanical gardens that curate Campanulaceae species for sampling. I will use phylogenetic comparative methods to test the associations between reproductive traits, self-reproductive ability, and range size to understand the evolution of self-reproduction and its benefit in colonization.