The reasons for plant rarity have been the focus of many studies, especially because rare species are more prone to extinction than common species. In this study, we tested whether narrow endemic and threatened species in Ecuador have a lower reproductive success or are visited by fewer pollinators than common species using one of the most emblematic Neotropical plant genus (Tibouchina). However, we had quite a huge surprise since our results were contrary to all expectations!
Want to know more? Read the full paper here:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1442-1984.12114/abstract
or here:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Isabel_Marques
Stay tuned for future results about the factors that are threatening the survival of some species of Tibouchina in Ecuador. And congratulations to Xavier Rojas for a wonderful job:-)
isabel*marques*evolution 