Biotic and Abiotic Drivers of Phenotypic Diversity in the Genus Lupinus (Fabaceae)

Abstract

The genus <i>Lupinus</i> (Fabaceae) represents an exceptional model system for studying evolutionary processes mediated by pollinators and environmental factors. This review synthesizes evidence on phenotypic variability of floral traits, trait selection by biotic and abiotic factors, and the eco-evolutionary implications of these interactions. Pollinators shape floral traits through specialized selection that optimizes pollination efficiency while maintaining plasticity toward autogamy under pollinator scarcity. At the same time, abiotic pressures drive adaptations to climate and elevation, which <i>Lupinus</i> achieves through phenotypic plasticity, such as adjusting flowering time, and through mutualisms with soil microbes that reduce abiotic stress. Ecological implications reveal contrasting dynamics, where native species sustain specialized pollination networks, while invasive species such as <i>L. polyphyllus</i> Lindl. disrupt these interactions through competitive exclusion. Thus, these two factors collectively drive <i>Lupinus</i> phenotypic diversity through specialized adaptations and plasticity. Finally, we emphasize the need for integrated studies combining genomics and ecological modeling to decipher the adaptive mechanisms of this genus.