5/5The study shows cage architectures evolved in 2 steps: 1️⃣Dense branching under intermediate herbivory2️⃣Spines added under high herbivory→diversification🌱See Fig.6–7 for the stepwise model. Herbivores are key drivers of plant evolution!#FunctionalEcology #Botany #NaturePlants

4/5 Diversification analyses reveal that species with dense architectures had higher speciation rates in herbivore-rich environments. Adding spines further boosted diversification.👉Fig.4,Fig.5 show speciation rates under different regimes.#MacroEvolution #PlantDefense #Herbivory

3/5 Results show that dense branching first appeared under intermediate herbivory, then spines evolved later in high-herbivory regimes. Together, they form cages that strongly reduce feeding by large mammals🐘📊 Fig.2 illustrates herbivory regimes across biomes.#Evolution#Ecology

2/5 Authors tested 3 hypotheses: H1: traits depend on herbivory pressure H2: dense branching & spines evolve independently H3: herbivory pressure influences speciation rates 🌍 See Fig.1 for the framework 👇 #Taxonomy #Phylogenetics #PlantScience