Raw data and Matlab code for: Convergence in carnivorous pitcher plants reveals a mechanism for composite trait evolution

Comparative analyses suggest that this new trait arose convergently via ‘spontaneous coincidence’ of the required trait combination, rather than directional selection in the component traits. Our results indicate a plausible mechanism for composite trait evolution and highlight the importance of stochastic phenotypic variation as a facilitator of evolutionary novelty.

Methods

Data were collected from 55 Nepenthes pitcher plant species from Botanical collections in the UK, Germany and Switzerland, as well as from two species (N. gracilis and N. pervillei) from natural populations in Borneo and the Seychelles. Fotos and high-speed videos were used to assess two macromorphological traits: (1) lid orientation (deviation from horizontal in °), and (2) lid loading/impact response (qualitatively from Fotos, and quantitatively from high-speed video recordings).

Laser Doppler vibrometry was used for detailed analysis of lid oscillations after a drop impact on the lid. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess surface microtopography (images are shown in the article supplementary material, Figures S1 and S2, and are not included in this dataset). Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry was used to investigate the chemical composition of surface waxes.

For detailed descriptions of the experimental methods and sampling techniques see online supplementary material, Materials and Methods.

Usage notes

No specialist software is required. Data files are in .csv format. Images are in .tif format.

Video files are in .avi format.