THE REPRODUCTIVE-BIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF ISLAND PLANTS

Island and mainland populations of plants often differ in their reprod uctive biology and genetics. The differences become more pronounced th e further islands are from mainland sources. Altered pollination condi tions have influenced the floral biology and mating systems of island plants in distinct ways. Insufficient pollination has favoured selecti on of floral traits promoting selfing. In contrast, inferior pollinato r service resulting in selfing and inbreeding depression appears to be a factor involved in the evolution of sexual dimorphisms. Stochastic forces play a major role in governing patterns of genetic variation. I sland populations are usually more differentiated and contain less div ersity than comparable mainland samples. Many general issues in evolut ionary biology can be addressed by studies of reproduction and genetic s in island plants.