Population genomics in Merianieae (Melastomataceae)

In this project, we analysed the impact of distinct functional pollinator groups on population structure and mating patterns in six tropical plant species, including 424 individuals across 33 sampling localities. Using this approach, we test the hypothesis that less mobile bee pollinators may cause stronger population differentiation than highly mobile, large vertebrate pollinators. Understanding these microevolutionary processes is of utmost importance for understanding macroevolutionary patterns, such as increases in diversification rates with pollinator shifts.