Parallel and convergent evolution in the Convolvulaceae, pp. 201-234

Parallelism is defined in this study as homologous traits within a family. Convergence occurs when different families have the same characteristics. To study the influence of these phenomena on phylogeny, an analysis was made of the Convolvulaceae using all 55 genera, plus major subdivisions of Ipomoea and Merremia. Traits were used for life form, longevity, roots, stems, leaves, inflorescences, flowers, pollen, fruits, seeds, embryos, cotyledons and chromosome numbers. Of 128 characteristics, 104 (80.7%) show parallelisms. Of these 104 parallelisms, 61 (47.7%) are also convergences with one or more outgroups. Three stages in the plant life-cylce are identified as driving parallel traits: vegetative, reproductive, and dispersal. Reproduction is most important, selecting 66 traits; the other two are equally significant, driving 27 (environment) and 28 (dispersal) traits. Forces driving the remaining seven of the 128 traits are unknown. Current literature provides a theoretical and experimental context for the selective forces on the individual traits.