Sexual Selection in Plants: Perspective and Overview

Abstract

Sexual selection has a long history of controversy, which shows little sign of waning. The more recent application of the concept to plants continues the historical trend. In recent years, the number of articles on sexual selection has grown; in journals that regularly accept articles on both animals and plants, the frequency of those on sexual selection in plants has grown dramatically. However, articles that examine processes and outcomes related to sexual selection in plants often do not use the term sexual selection, a tendency that indicates the aura of controversy in the field. In the decade since the last broad review of sexual selection in plants, considerable progress has been made in understanding both process and outcome of sexual selection in the botanical world. I have argued that sexual selection can occur at any phase of the reproductive process, from "courtship" to postnatal stages, in plants as well as animals. Most of this work has addressed events or traits before fertilization, but postfertilization aspects of sexual selection are receiving increased attention. As work continues, variation emerges in both pattern and process, which provides a critical investigative tool. The dynamic interplay of concept and results provides evidence of a lively, vigorous field of research.