A core interest in studies of mutualistic interactions is the ‘effectiveness’ of mutualists in providing benefits to their partners. In plant-animal mutualisms it is widely accepted that the total effect of a mutualist on its partner is estimated as (1) a ‘quantity’ component multiplied by (2) a ‘quality’ component, although the meanings of ‘effectiveness,’ ‘quantity,’ and ‘quality’ and which terms are applied to these metrics vary greatly across studies. In addition, a similar quantity × quality = total effect approach has not been applied to other types of mutualisms, although it could be informative. Lastly, when a total effect approach has been applied, it has invariably been from a phytocentric perspective, focussing on the effects of animal mutualists on their plant partner. This lack of a common framework of ‘effectiveness’ of mutualistic interactions limits generalisation and the development of a broader understanding of the ecology and evolution of mutualisms. Read more
Hidden Extinctions: Losing plant diversity in Iberian arid zones as a consequence of the anthropic-mediated expansion of weedss
In this project, funded by the Fundación BBVA (PR17-ECO-0021), we evaluate the consequences of the expansion of weeds associated to human environments on the arid vegetation from the Iberian Peninsula. The specific goal is to check whether the presence of the ruderal species Moricandia arvensis is having a harmful effect on its three co-generic species endemic to arid habitats, namely, M. moricandioides, M. foetida and M. rytidocarpoides. Read more
Protected: Reservation system of evoflor infrastructure
Protected: Laboratory resources
Niche differences may explain the geographic distribution of cytotypes in Erysimum mediohispanicum
In a paper recently published in Plant Biology, we have identified environmental differences between niches occupied by diploids and tetraploids Erysimum mediohispanicum.
To evaluate the adaptive significance of the geographic distribution of cytotypes, we characterized the ploidy level of 118 populations across the Iberian Peninsula and obtained their interpolated climate variables from the Worldclim 1.4. In addition, we also characterized floral phenotype of both cytotypes. Read more
Javier Valverde defended his PhD Thesis
Javier Valverde is now a rookie Doctor in Biology. He obtained his PhD in the University of Granada the past 9th of June, 2017. His PhD dissertation was entitled “Structured generalization: Evolutionary dynamics at a fine spatial scale in a generalist system” (“Generalización Estructurada: Dinámica Evolutiva a Escala Espacial Fina en un Sistema Generalista”).
Inter-annual maintenance of the fine-scale genetic structure in a biennial plant
We have just published a paper in Scientific Reports about the maintenance of the fine scale (< 20m) genetic structure in Erysimum mediohispanicum. Read more
The role of pollinators in the evolution of corolla shape variation, disparity and integration
Included in Annals of Botany‘s special issue on developmental robustness and species diversity, our papers nalyzes the role of pollinators in the evolution of the phenotypic variation, disparity and integration of the corolla shape of 111 Brassicaceae taxa. Read more
The temporal dimension in plant-pollinator networks
Our paper “The temporal dimension in individual-based plant pollination networks” has been published in Oikos. In this paper we present the temporal changes occurring in a pollination network established between individuals of the extremely generalist herb Erysimum mediohispanicum (Brassicaceae). Read more
2016 Morocco sampling trip
It is now like a tradition to travel Morocco in February to sampling some crucifers. This year was not exception and we spent a week traveling ~ 4000 km from Granada to South Morocco and back. Read more