This book presents a comprehensive overview of our current understanding of mutualism origin, plant¿pollinator specificity, mutualism stability, and reciprocal diversification. In particular, it focuses on the natural history and evolutionary history of the third example of obligate pollination mutualism, leafflower¿leafflower moth association, which was discovered in the plant family Phyllanthaceae by the lead editor and then established by the editors and their coworkers as an ideal model system for studies of mutualism and the coevolutionary process. This work brings together the knowledge they have gained through an array of research conducted using different approaches, ranging from taxonomy, phylogenetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology to biogeography.Richly illustrated with numerous original color photographs, the volume consists of 13 chapters and is divided into three main parts: natural history, ecology, and evolution. It begins by showcasing numerous examples of plant¿animal interactions and their origins to guide readers in the world of leafflowers and their pollinators. The immense diversity of Phyllanthaceae and pollinator moths is then explored, and in the following 7 chapters mutualism is discussed from a range of ecological and evolutionary points of view. The final chapter presents a review of the evolution and variety of obligate pollination mutualisms.This book offers researchers and students in the field of ecology, botany, evolutionary biology, pollination biology, entomology, and tropical biology fascinating insights into why such a costly pollination system has evolved and why Phyllanthaceae is so diverse despite the inconspicuousness of their flowers.

Is the first book to bring together contributors' original observations on the leafflower-leafflower moth mutualism discovered by the lead editor

Preface.- Acknowledgments.- Part I Natural History.- 1. Introduction (M. Kato).- 2 History and Natural History of Plants and Their Associates (M. Kato).- 3 Biology of the Obligate Pollination Mutualism (M. Kato and A. Kawakita).- 4 Diversity of Phyllanthaceae (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- 5 Diversity of Pollinator Moths (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- 6 Origin of Active Pollination and Mutualism (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- Part II Ecology.- 7 Reinforced Specificity of Pollinator Moths (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- 8 Species-Specific Floral Scents as Olfactory Cues in Pollinator Moths (T. Okamoto).- 9 Role of Selective Flower Abortion in the Maintenance of Obligate Pollination Mutualism (R. Goto).- Part III Evolution.- 10 Cospeciation and Host Shift (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- 11 Reversal of Mutualism (A. Kawakita).- 12 Phyllantheae- Mutualistic Interactions on Oceanic Islands in the Pacific (David Hembry).- 13 Evolution and Diversity of Obligate Pollination Mutualisms (A. Kawakita and M. Kato).- Literature Cited.- Index.