Macroevolutionary Processes and Patterns of Signal Evolution
Striking differences in species richness and phenotypic diversity can be seen both geographically as well as among clades across the tree of life. I am currently investigating macroevolutionary patterns of signal diversity, focusing in particular on the causes of rare signals using flower coloration in the Solanaceae family. By combining phylogenetic comparative methods with anatomical and biochemical methods, I am investigating why only 1% of Solanaceae species exhibit red flowers, despite multiple biosynthetic pathways that can produce red colouration and multiple convergent shifts to red in the family.
Associated publications:
Ng, J. and Smith, S.D. 2018. Why are red flowers so rare? Testing the macroevolutionary causes of tippiness. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 31(12):1863-1875
Ng, J., Freitas, L.B. & Smith, S.D. 2018. Stepwise evolution of floral pigmentation predicted by biochemical pathway structure. Evolution. 72(12):2792-2802 [Cover Article]
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2016. How to make a red flower: the combinatorial effect of pigments. AoB PLANTS. 8: plw013
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2016. Widespread flower color convergence in Solanaceae via alternate biochemical pathways. New Phytologist. 209(1): 407-417
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2014. How traits shape trees: New approaches for detecting character state-dependent lineage diversification. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 27(10): 2035-2045
Ng, J. and Smith, S.D. 2018. Why are red flowers so rare? Testing the macroevolutionary causes of tippiness. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 31(12):1863-1875
Ng, J., Freitas, L.B. & Smith, S.D. 2018. Stepwise evolution of floral pigmentation predicted by biochemical pathway structure. Evolution. 72(12):2792-2802 [Cover Article]
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2016. How to make a red flower: the combinatorial effect of pigments. AoB PLANTS. 8: plw013
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2016. Widespread flower color convergence in Solanaceae via alternate biochemical pathways. New Phytologist. 209(1): 407-417
Ng, J. and Smith, S. D. 2014. How traits shape trees: New approaches for detecting character state-dependent lineage diversification. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 27(10): 2035-2045
