Pollination Across the Diel Cycle: A Global Meta‐Analysis
Author Information
Author(s): Liam Kendall, Charlie C. Nicholson
Primary Institution: Lund University
Hypothesis
To what extent does pollination benefit differ between day and night amongst flowering plants?
Conclusion
Most plant species exhibit similar pollination success across the diel cycle, with nocturnal pollination being more beneficial at lower elevations.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of studied plant species exhibit similar pollination success across the diel cycle.
- Nocturnal pollination success was greater at low elevations.
- Floral traits like odour and colour influenced diel pollination differences.
- Pollination success did not differ significantly between day and night for most species.
Takeaway
Plants get pollinated both during the day and at night, and many do just as well no matter when they are visited by pollinators.
Methodology
The study conducted a meta-analysis of 135 studies involving pollinator exclusion experiments to assess pollination success across day and night.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may exist as many studies focused on plants expected to have nocturnal pollination.
Limitations
The study did not account for lunar cycles or the identity of pollinator taxa responsible for nocturnal or diurnal pollination.
Participant Demographics
The studies included 139 angiosperm species from various families and genera.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[0.145, 0.829]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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