The role of heterochrony in Schizanthus flower evolution- a quantitative analysis

Abstract Changes in the timing of development within a lineage (heterochrony) have an enormous impact on floral diversification. However, comparative quantitative studies in a broad range of ontogenetic stages are still needed to identify the role of different heterochronic processes shaping diversification patterns. In this study, changes in petal development were compared across species in the genus Schizanthus showing floral diversification mediated by pollinators. In this genus, transitions from bee- to hummingbird- and moth- pollination are associated with lower lip diversification. Variation in size and shape of petals was quantified at key ontogenetic stages by using a traditional an…