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Fields

Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences :
Ecological Dynamics

Research

Plant Reproductive Strategy

Plant Reproductive Strategy

Evolution of plant reproductive strategy
 
I specialize in evolutionary ecology with a particular focus on why plants have evolved certain ecological traits from an adaptive perspective. I am particularly interested in the evolution of reproductive strategies in plants, which encompasses the production of flowers, attraction of pollinating insects, and successful fruition of seeds. This process exhibits remarkable diversity among plant species, with various mysteries embedded within it. My goal is to elucidate the adaptive reasons underlying the diversity of reproductive strategies observed in plants. Why do different species adopt varying reproductive strategies? I aim to answer such questions by employing a combination of theoretical analysis using mathematical models and empirical research conducted through field investigations.

Additionally, I have authored numerous books on effective paper writing and presentation skills, specifically tailored for young researchers embarking on writing their papers. I also deliver on-site lectures on enhancing paper writing and presentation skills.

Faculty Members

Associate Professor SAKAI Satoki
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The Evolution of Plant Reproductive Strategies

Our purpose is to investigate the ultimate cause as to why the ecological characteristics of plants evolved. We are attempting to discover the reasons why these characteristics have evolved from the perspective that having such characteristics was advantageous for survival and reproduction. Our research methods are centered on field research and theoretical analysis. The most recent research themes of myself and the students in our laboratory are as follows.

  • Analyzing the tradeoffs of seed size and number in seed production
  • Evolutionarily stable sexual investment in plants
  • Analyzing flower visiting behavior in bumblebees
  • Variations in sexual investment within inflorescences
  • The evolution from heterostyly to dioecism
  • The evolution of flower forms
  • Sexual investment dependent on the group sex ratio in protandrous plants
  • The adaptive significance of flower scent in golden-rayed lilies
  • The influence pest damage to flowers and seeds exerts on plant reproductive investment
  • Honeydew excretion strategies in plants with inflorescences