Winning in style: Longer styles receive more pollen, but style length does not affect pollen attrition in wild Clarkia populations

摘要

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: One proposed function of long styles is to intensify selection among male gametophytes relative to short styles. If so, given sufficient competition, longer styles will have higher rates of pollen tube attrition (failure to reach the style base) within the style than shorter ones. Alternatively, style length may influence pollen receipt, which itself may affect attrition rates.