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We are inspired by the impressive diversity of floral form and structure in the angiosperms, which provides raw material to challenge our understanding of the evolutionary process.  Evolutionary biologists have long appreciated that floral diversity is intimately tied to pollination and the benefits of cross-pollination. Nevertheless, the most repeated transition in flowering plants involves the adoption of self-fertilization from the outcrossing condition. Dr. Busch has been interested in understanding this recurrent transition because it is common and has major impacts on the genetic diversity and longevity of biological lineages.  

Members of the lab share broad interests in ecology and evolution and a desire to further our understanding of flowering plant biodiversity. Students have explored a number of research topics: species range limits, character displacement of flower color, limits on seed production in self-incompatible plants, interactions between ploidy and mating-system evolution, plant-pollinator interactions, and the influence of mating systems on geographic ranges. In addition to their substantial thematic overlap, a uniting feature of these endeavors is that students identify their own research interests and develop the ability to creatively test evolutionary hypotheses.