Plant Co-evolution: Pollination, Dispersal, Defense, and Structural Parts

Pollination

Co-evolved trait: Floral scent & color

Plant: Lavender

Plant function: Attracts bees for pollen transfer

Human use: Oils for fragrance and relaxation

Co-evolution reason: Bees evolved to seek nectar, and lavender evolved stronger scents and colors to attract them.

Dispersal

Co-evolved trait: Sweet, fleshy fruit

Plant: Blueberry

Plant function: Animals eat fruit and spread seeds.

Human use: Eaten for taste and antioxidants

Co-evolution reason: Animals evolved to prefer sweet fruits, and blueberries evolved sweetness and color to encourage seed dispersal.

Defense 1

Co-evolved trait: Caffeine (alkaloid)

Plant: Coffee

Plant function: Bitter toxin deters insect

Human use: Stimulant in drinks.

Co-evolution reason: Insets evolved partial tolerance, while coffee plants evolved higher caffeine to stay protected.

Defense 2

Co-evolved trait: Tannins

Plant: Tea plant

Plant function: Biter compound protects from herbivores and fungi.

Human use: Flavor and antioxidants in tea & wine.

Co-evolution reason: Herbivores evolved to avoid bitter leaves, and tea plants evolved stronger tannins to defend themselves.

Aboveground

Part: Bark - Cinnamon tree

Feature: Aromatic, protective outer layer.

Function (plant): Protects against pests, pathogens, and water loss.

Human use: Dried and ground bark used as spice and flavoring.

Belowground

Part: Storage root - Sweet potato.

Features: Enlarged taproot storing sugars

Function (plant): Stores energy for growth and survival.

Human use: Edible, sweet root high in vitamins that we consume.

Reproductive

Part: Seed - Sunflower

Feature: Rich in oils and fats.

Function (plant): Stores energy for germination and growth of new plant.

Human use: Consumed directly or pressed for cooking oil.

Co-evolution

Requires evolution -> Change in genes

Requires two organisms