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GENOTYPE-PHENOTYPE GAP. "Our investigation also reveals that the path to synthesis is hindered by numerous gaps in our knowledge of even the best-known systems. Particularly concerning is the absence of linkage between genotype and phenotype." https://lnkd.in/bCmw3Fr View in LinkedIn

EXCEPTIONS EXIST. "In some lineages, aspects of polyploidization are repeated across multiple origins, but in other species multiple origins behave more stochastically in terms of genetic and phenotypic change." https://lnkd.in/bCmw3Fr View in LinkedIn

POLYPLOIDY RULES. "We found that while certain rules may govern gene retention and loss, systems vary in the prevalence of gene silencing vs. homeolog loss, chromosomal change, the presence of a dominant genome (in allopolyploids), and the relative importance of hybridization vs. genome doubling per se." https://lnkd.in/bCmw3Fr View in LinkedIn

"EXTRAFLORAL NECTARIES are nectar-secreting parts of the plant surface other than flowers. These organs are not directly involved in pollination, and can be found on virtually all aboveground plant parts. Plants bearing extrafloral nectaries are widely distributed around the world. About 114 plant families with more than 700 genera and 4000 species of plants, including pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms, are known to possess extrafloral nectaries to date." https://lnkd.in/ewhdr2N View in LinkedIn

DIFFUSE EFFECT. "Although further tests are needed, it is likely that selection following whole-genome duplication is important in all types of species interaction and that there are circumstances in which polyploidy can enhance the evolvability of interactions with other species." https://lnkd.in/bCmw3Fr View in LinkedIn

UNUSUAL SEX LIFE. "The morphology of angiosperm sex organs (flowers), rather than fitting those of the opposite sex, must generate a lock-and-key fit with the animals that visit them. These visitors do not normally come for sex; instead they are paid for their services, typically by means of sugary nectar or surplus pollen. Plants advertise these rewards with showy displays to assist pollinators in finding them." https://lnkd.in/e97k43F View in LinkedIn

COLLATERAL EFFECTS. "From the scarce evidence available, we found that novel interactions are rare but that polyploidy can induce changes in pollinator, herbivore, and pathogen interactions." https://lnkd.in/bCmw3Fr View in LinkedIn

DARWIN'S EULOGY. "The more I study nature, the more I become impressed […] that the contrivances and beautiful adaptations [acquired through natural selection] transcend in an incomparable degree [those] which the most fertile imagination of the most imaginative man could suggest with unlimited time at his disposal." https://lnkd.in/eykUy37 View in LinkedIn

Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to British trio for study of exotic matter View in LinkedIn

FRAGMENT FROM NATURE continues from last weekend exploring Darwin's "abominable mystery", the rise of flowering plants (angiosperms). There was no way Darwin could have known the full story: genes had not been discovered then. Their extraordinary diversity of their sexual organs (flowers), seed design, and the genetics driving them is fascinating. I touch on a bigger topic, whole genome duplication, that will be taken up in more detail in coming weeks. View in LinkedIn