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Zhu D, Hui D, Huang Z, Qiao X, Tong S, Wang M, Yang Q, Yu S. Comparative impact of light and neighbor effect on the growth of introduced species
Sonneratia apetala
and native mangrove species in China: implications for restoration. Restor Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dehuang Zhu
- Department of Ecology School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 510275 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 518054 China
- College of Ecology and Resources Engineering Wuyi University Nanping Fujian 354300 China
| | - Dafeng Hui
- Department of Biological Sciences Tennessee State University Nashville TN 37209 U.S.A
| | - Zijian Huang
- Department of Ecology School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 510275 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 518054 China
| | - Xueting Qiao
- Department of Ecology School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 510275 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 518054 China
| | - Sen Tong
- Department of Ecology School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 510275 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 518054 China
| | - Mengqi Wang
- Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Shenzhen Guangdong 518040 China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Shenzhen Guangdong 518040 China
| | - Shixiao Yu
- Department of Ecology School of Life Sciences/State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 510275 China
- Shenzhen Research Institute Sun Yat‐sen University Guangzhou Guangdong 518054 China
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2
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Krieg CP, Chambers SM. The ecology and physiology of fern gametophytes: A methodological synthesis. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2022; 10:e11464. [PMID: 35495196 PMCID: PMC9039797 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
All green plants alternate between the gametophyte and sporophyte life stages, but only seed-free vascular plants (ferns and lycophytes) have independent, free-living gametophytes. Fern and lycophyte gametophytes are significantly reduced in size and morphological complexity relative to their sporophytic counterparts and have often been overlooked in ecological and physiological studies. Understanding the ecological and physiological factors that directly impact this life stage is of critical importance because the ultimate existence of a sporophyte is dependent upon successful fertilization in the gametophyte generation. Furthermore, previous research has shown that the dual nature of the life cycle and the high dispersibility of spores can result in different geographic patterns between gametophytes and their respective sporophytes. This variation in distribution patterns likely exacerbates the separation of selective pressures acting on gametophyte and sporophyte generations, and can uniquely impact a species' ecology and physiology. Here, we provide a review of historical and contemporary methodologies used to examine ecological and physiological aspects of fern gametophytes, as well as those that allow for comparisons between the two generations. We conclude by suggesting methodological approaches to answer currently outstanding questions. We hope that the information covered herein will serve as a guide to current researchers and stimulate future discoveries in fern gametophyte ecology and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally M. Chambers
- Department of BotanyMarie Selby Botanical GardensSarasotaFlorida34236USA
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3
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Campany CE, Pittermann J, Baer A, Holmlund H, Schuettpelz E, Mehltreter K, Watkins JE. Leaf water relations in epiphytic ferns are driven by drought avoidance rather than tolerance mechanisms. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:1741-1755. [PMID: 33665827 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Opportunistic diversification has allowed ferns to radiate into epiphytic niches in angiosperm dominated landscapes. However, our understanding of how ecophysiological function allowed establishment in the canopy and the potential transitionary role of the hemi-epiphytic life form remain unclear. Here, we surveyed 39 fern species in Costa Rican tropical forests to explore epiphytic trait divergence in a phylogenetic context. We examined leaf responses to water deficits in terrestrial, hemi-epiphytic and epiphytic ferns and related these findings to functional traits that regulate leaf water status. Epiphytic ferns had reduced xylem area (-63%), shorter stipe lengths (-56%), thicker laminae (+41%) and reduced stomatal density (-46%) compared to terrestrial ferns. Epiphytic ferns exhibited similar turgor loss points, higher osmotic potential at saturation and lower tissue capacitance after turgor loss than terrestrial ferns. Overall, hemi-epiphytic ferns exhibited traits that share characteristics of both terrestrial and epiphytic species. Our findings clearly demonstrate the prevalence of water conservatism in both epiphytic and hemi-epiphytic ferns, via selection for anatomical and structural traits that avoid leaf water stress. Even with likely evolutionarily constrained physiological function, adaptations for drought avoidance have allowed epiphytic ferns to successfully endure the stresses of the canopy habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Campany
- Department of Biology, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, USA
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, USA
| | - Jarmila Pittermann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Alex Baer
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
| | - Helen Holmlund
- Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California, USA
| | - Eric Schuettpelz
- Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Klaus Mehltreter
- Red de Ecología Funcional, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Xalapa, Mexico
- Institute for Systematic Botany and Ecology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - James E Watkins
- Department of Biology, Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, USA
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4
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Grašič M, Sovdat T, Gaberščik A. Frond Optical Properties of the Fern Phyllitis scolopendrium Depend on Light Conditions in the Habitat. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9101254. [PMID: 32977666 PMCID: PMC7598650 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ferns display an elevated degree of phenotypic plasticity to changes in irradiance levels; however, only a few reports deal with their response to different light conditions. To get an insight into the extent of phenotypic plasticity of the fern Phyllitis scolopendrium, thriving in a forested area along a radiation gradient at the entrance of a cave, we examined selected biochemical, morphological, and physiological frond traits of the ferns from three different habitats. Sampling was performed two times during the vegetation season, in April and June. We also measured frond optical properties to point out the differences in leaf/light interactions between different plant samples. According to frond size, the middle habitat, receiving 125 µmol m−2s−1 of photosynthetically active radiation at both sampling times, appeared to be the most favourable. The production of UV-absorbing substances was highest in the habitat with the lowest radiation level. At the beginning of the season, the level of photosynthetic pigments in this habitat was the same as in the other habitats, while it was significantly lower in June when the tree canopy was closed. Frond reflectance was similar when comparing habitats and different sampling times. The most significant differences were obtained in the UV-A and near-infrared regions. The reflectance spectra depended mainly on frond biochemical properties, which altogether explained 54% (p ≤ 0.05) of the spectra variability. Frond transmittance depended on both, morphological parameters, explaining 51% (p ≤ 0.05), and frond biochemistry, explaining 73% (p ≤ 0.05) of the spectra variability. P. scolopendrium was revealed to be highly plastic regarding light conditions. The shapes of the frond reflectance and transmittance optical curves were similar to those typical of leaves of seed plants. The fronds exhibited high morphological plasticity when comparing different habitats. However, their biochemical and optical traits differed more between the two sampling times than between the habitats.
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5
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Li H, Li X, Zhou X. Trait means predict performance under water limitation better than plasticity for seedlings of Poaceae species on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:2944-2955. [PMID: 32211167 PMCID: PMC7083665 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Water availability may be altered by changes in precipitation under global climate change in alpine areas. Trait means and plasticity are important for plants in response to a changing environment. In an examination of alpine plant responses to changed water availability, and for determination of how trait means and plasticity predict the performance (e.g., biomass) of these species, seeds of ten Poaceae species from the eastern Tibetan Plateau were sown and grown in a manipulated environment during a growing season in which rainfall was removed and other climate conditions remained unchanged. Growth and leaf traits of these species were measured. We found significant effects of moderate water stress on the seedling biomass of these species; however, the responses of these species to changed water condition were strongly dependent on species identity. For example, the biomass of some species significantly decreased under moderate drought, whereas that of others were either significantly increased or unaffected. This pattern was also observed for growth and leaf traits. Overall, the alpine Poaceae species showed low plasticity of traits in response to water availability relative to reports from other areas. Notably, the results show that trait means were better correlated with the productivity than with the plasticity of traits; thus, we argue that the trait means were better predictors of performance than plasticity for alpine Poaceae species. Poaceae species in alpine areas are important for forage production and for water catchment health worldwide, and these species may face water shortage because of current and future climate change. Understanding the response of alpine Poaceae species to water availability would facilitate our ability to predict the impacts of climate change on the alpine vegetation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and AgricultureQinghai UniversityXiningChina
| | - Xilai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and AgricultureQinghai UniversityXiningChina
- College of Agriculture and Animal HusbandryQinghai UniversityXiningChina
| | - Xiaolong Zhou
- Institute of Arid Ecology and EnvironmentXinjiang UniversityUrumqiChina
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology of the Ministry of EducationXinjiang UniversityUrumqiChina
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6
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Gornish ES, Lennox MS, Lewis D, Tate KW, Jackson RD. Comparing herbaceous plant communities in active and passive riparian restoration. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176338. [PMID: 28448544 PMCID: PMC5407843 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the efficacy of passive (reduction or cessation of environmental stress) and active (typically involving planting or seeding) restoration strategies is important for the design of successful revegetation of degraded riparian habitat, but studies explicitly comparing restoration outcomes are uncommon. We sampled the understory herbaceous plant community of 103 riparian sites varying in age since restoration (0 to 39 years) and revegetation technique (active, passive, or none) to compare the utility of different approaches on restoration success across sites. We found that landform type, percent shade, and summer flow helped explain differences in the understory functional community across all sites. In passively restored sites, grass and forb cover and richness were inversely related to site age, but in actively restored sites forb cover and richness were inversely related to site age. Native cover and richness were lower with passive restoration compared to active restoration. Invasive species cover and richness were not significantly different across sites. Although some of our results suggest that active restoration would best enhance native species in degraded riparian areas, this work also highlights some of the context-dependency that has been found to mediate restoration outcomes. For example, since the effects of passive restoration can be quite rapid, this approach might be more useful than active restoration in situations where rapid dominance of pioneer species is required to arrest major soil loss through erosion. As a result, we caution against labeling one restoration technique as better than another. Managers should identify ideal restoration outcomes in the context of historic and current site characteristics (as well as a range of acceptable alternative states) and choose restoration approaches that best facilitate the achievement of revegetation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise S. Gornish
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael S. Lennox
- University of California Cooperative Extension, Marin/Sonoma/Mendocino Counties, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - David Lewis
- University of California Cooperative Extension, Marin/Sonoma/Mendocino Counties, Novato, CA, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W. Tate
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Randall D. Jackson
- Department of Agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
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7
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Oomen RA, Hutchings JA. Genetic variation in plasticity of life-history traits between Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations exposed to contrasting thermal regimes. CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We employed common-garden experiments to test for genetic variation in responses of larval life-history traits to temperature between two populations of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L., 1758) that naturally experience contrasting thermal environments during early life due to spatial and temporal differences in spawning. Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence cod larvae experienced faster growth in warmer water and low, uniform survival across all experimental temperatures (3, 7, 11 °C), consistent with previous studies on this spring-spawning population. In contrast, larvae from fall-spawning Southwestern Scotian Shelf cod collected near Sambro, Nova Scotia, lacked plasticity for growth but experienced much lower survival at higher temperatures. Phenotypes that are positively associated with fitness were observed at temperatures closest to those experienced in the wild, consistent with the hypothesis that these populations are adapted to local thermal regimes. The lack of growth plasticity observed in Sambro cod might be due to costly maintenance of plasticity in stable environments or energy savings at cold temperatures. However, additional experiments need to be conducted on Sambro cod and other fall-spawning marine fishes to determine to what extent responses to projected changes in climate will differ among populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah A. Oomen
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeffrey A. Hutchings
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, 4604 Kristiansand, Norway
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8
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Tosens T, Nishida K, Gago J, Coopman RE, Cabrera HM, Carriquí M, Laanisto L, Morales L, Nadal M, Rojas R, Talts E, Tomas M, Hanba Y, Niinemets Ü, Flexas J. The photosynthetic capacity in 35 ferns and fern allies: mesophyll CO2 diffusion as a key trait. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2016; 209:1576-90. [PMID: 26508678 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Ferns and fern allies have low photosynthetic rates compared with seed plants. Their photosynthesis is thought to be limited principally by physical CO2 diffusion from the atmosphere to chloroplasts. The aim of this study was to understand the reasons for low photosynthesis in species of ferns and fern allies (Lycopodiopsida and Polypodiopsida). We performed a comprehensive assessment of the foliar gas-exchange and mesophyll structural traits involved in photosynthetic function for 35 species of ferns and fern allies. Additionally, the leaf economics spectrum (the interrelationships between photosynthetic capacity and leaf/frond traits such as leaf dry mass per unit area or nitrogen content) was tested. Low mesophyll conductance to CO2 was the main cause for low photosynthesis in ferns and fern allies, which, in turn, was associated with thick cell walls and reduced chloroplast distribution towards intercellular mesophyll air spaces. Generally, the leaf economics spectrum in ferns follows a trend similar to that in seed plants. Nevertheless, ferns and allies had less nitrogen per unit DW than seed plants (i.e. the same slope but a different intercept) and lower photosynthesis rates per leaf mass area and per unit of nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiina Tosens
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu, 51014, Estonia
| | - Keisuke Nishida
- The Graduate School of Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Jorge Gago
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Rafael Eduardo Coopman
- Ecophysiology Laboratory for Forest Conservation, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Hernán Marino Cabrera
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Marc Carriquí
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Lauri Laanisto
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu, 51014, Estonia
| | - Loreto Morales
- Ecophysiology Laboratory for Forest Conservation, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Miquel Nadal
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Roke Rojas
- Ecophysiology Laboratory for Forest Conservation, Instituto de Conservación, Biodiversidad y Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Eero Talts
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu, 51014, Estonia
| | - Magdalena Tomas
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Yuko Hanba
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Ülo Niinemets
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu, 51014, Estonia
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Research Group on Plant Biology under Mediterranean Conditions, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Carretera de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain
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9
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Zhu SD, Li RH, Song J, He PC, Liu H, Berninger F, Ye Q. Different leaf cost-benefit strategies of ferns distributed in contrasting light habitats of sub-tropical forests. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2016; 117:497-506. [PMID: 26684751 PMCID: PMC4765538 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcv179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ferns are abundant in sub-tropical forests in southern China, with some species being restricted to shaded understorey of natural forests, while others are widespread in disturbed, open habitats. To explain this distribution pattern, we hypothesize that ferns that occur in disturbed forests (FDF) have a different leaf cost-benefit strategy compared with ferns that occur in natural forests (FNF), with a quicker return on carbon investment in disturbed habitats compared with old-growth forests. METHODS We chose 16 fern species from contrasting light habitats (eight FDF and eight FNF) and studied leaf functional traits, including leaf life span (LLS), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations (N and P), maximum net photosynthetic rates (A), leaf construction cost (CC) and payback time (PBT), to conduct a leaf cost-benefit analysis for the two fern groups. KEY RESULTS The two groups, FDF and FNF, did not differ significantly in SLA, leaf N and P, and CC, but FDF had significantly higher A, greater photosynthetic nitrogen- and phosphorus-use efficiencies (PNUE and PPUE), and shorter PBT and LLS compared with FNF. Further, across the 16 fern species, LLS was significantly correlated with A, PNUE, PPUE and PBT, but not with SLA and CC. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that leaf cost-benefit analysis contributes to understanding the distribution pattern of ferns in contrasting light habitats of sub-tropical forests: FDF employing a quick-return strategy can pre-empt resources and rapidly grow in the high-resource environment of open habitats; while a slow-return strategy in FNF allows their persistence in the shaded understorey of old-growth forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Dan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Rong-Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan road, Beijing 100049, China and
| | - Juan Song
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan road, Beijing 100049, China and
| | - Peng-Cheng He
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan road, Beijing 100049, China and
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Frank Berninger
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, 224 Helsingin Yliopisto, Finland
| | - Qing Ye
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 723 Xingke Road, Guangzhou 510650, China,
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10
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Batke SP, Kelly DL. Changes in the distribution of mechanically dependent plants along a gradient of past hurricane impact. AOB PLANTS 2015; 7:plv096. [PMID: 26286220 PMCID: PMC4584959 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plv096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The severity of the effects that large disturbance events such as hurricanes can have on the forest canopy and the associated mechanically dependent plant community (epiphytes, climbers, etc.) is dependent on the frequency and intensity of the disturbance events. Here we investigate the effects of different structural and environmental properties of the host trees and previously modelled past hurricanes on dependent plants in Cusuco National Park, Honduras. Tree-climbing methods were employed to sample different dependent life-forms in ten 150 × 150 m plots. We identified 7094 individuals of dependent plants from 214 different species. For holo- and hemi-epiphytes, we found that diversity was significantly negatively related to past hurricane impact. The abundance of dependent plants was greatly influenced by their position in tree canopy and hurricane disturbance regimes. The relationship between abundance and mean branch height shifts across a gradient of hurricane impact (from negative to positive), which might result from a combination of changes in abundance of individual species and composition of the dependent flora across sites. Mechanically dependent plants also responded to different structural and environmental conditions along individual branches. The variables that explained much of the community differences of life-forms and families among branches were branch surface area and bryophyte cover. The factors that explained most variation at a plot level were mean vapour pressure deficit and elevation. At the level of the individual tree, the most important factors were canopy openness and past hurricane impact. We believe that more emphasis needs to be placed on the effects that past disturbance events have on mechanically dependent plant communities, particularly in areas that are prone to catastrophic perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven P Batke
- Department of Botany, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
| | - Daniel L Kelly
- Department of Botany, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland Trinity Centre for Biodiversity Research, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire PE23 4EX, UK
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11
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Amissah L, Mohren GMJ, Kyereh B, Poorter L. The effects of drought and shade on the performance, morphology and physiology of Ghanaian tree species. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121004. [PMID: 25836337 PMCID: PMC4383566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In tropical forests light and water availability are the most important factors for seedling growth and survival but an increasing frequency of drought may affect tree regeneration. One central question is whether drought and shade have interactive effects on seedling growth and survival. Here, we present results of a greenhouse experiment, in which seedlings of 10 Ghanaian tree species were exposed to combinations of strong seasonal drought (continuous watering versus withholding water for nine weeks) and shade (5% irradiance versus 20% irradiance). We evaluated the effects of drought and shade on seedling survival and growth and plasticity of 11 underlying traits related to biomass allocation, morphology and physiology. Seedling survival under dry conditions was higher in shade than in high light, thus providing support for the "facilitation hypothesis" that shade enhances plant performance through improved microclimatic conditions, and rejecting the trade-off hypothesis that drought should have stronger impact in shade because of reduced root investment. Shaded plants had low biomass fraction in roots, in line with the trade-off hypothesis, but they compensated for this with a higher specific root length (i.e., root length per unit root mass), resulting in a similar root length per plant mass and, hence, similar water uptake capacity as high-light plants. The majority (60%) of traits studied responded independently to drought and shade, indicating that within species shade- and drought tolerances are not in trade-off, but largely uncoupled. When individual species responses were analysed, then for most of the traits only one to three species showed significant interactive effects between drought and shade. The uncoupled response of most species to drought and shade should provide ample opportunity for niche differentiation and species coexistence under a range of water and light conditions. Overall our greenhouse results suggest that, in the absence of root competition shaded tropical forest tree seedlings may be able to survive prolonged drought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Amissah
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research—Forestry Research Institute of Ghana, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Godefridus M. J. Mohren
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Boateng Kyereh
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lourens Poorter
- Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Seis K, Gärtner S, Donoso P, Reif A. The effect of small-scale land use on vegetation in the Valdivian Coastal Range (Chile). COMMUNITY ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1556/comec.13.2014.2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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13
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Gago J, Coopman RE, Cabrera HM, Hermida C, Molins A, Conesa MÀ, Galmés J, Ribas-Carbó M, Flexas J. Photosynthesis limitations in three fern species. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2013; 149:599-611. [PMID: 23692357 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Maximum photosynthesis rates in ferns are generally lower than those of seed plants, but little is known about the limiting factors, which are crucial to understand the evolution of photosynthesis in land plants. To address this issue, a gas exchange/chlorophyll fluorescence analysis was performed in three fern species spanning high phylogenetic range within Polypodiopsida (Osmunda regalis, Blechnum gibbum and Nephrolepis exaltata) to determine their maximum net photosynthesis (AN ), stomatal (gs ) and mesophyll (gm ) conductances to CO2 , and the maximum velocity of carboxylation (Vc,max ). The in vitro Rubisco specificity factor (SC /O ) was also determined. All three species had values for SC /O similar to those typical of seed plants, but values of AN , gs , gm and Vc,max were within the lowest range of those observed in seed plants. In addition, gs was unresponsive to light and CO2 , as already described in other fern species. On the contrary, gm varied with changes CO2 . A quantitative photosynthesis limitation analysis suggested that early land plants (ferns) presented not only stomatal limitations-which were less adjustable to the environment-but also restricted gm and Vc,max , resulting in limited maximum photosynthesis rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gago
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Rafael E Coopman
- Forest Ecophysiology Laboratory, Conservation, Biodiversity and Territory Institute, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla 567, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Carmen Hermida
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Arántzazu Molins
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel À Conesa
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Jeroni Galmés
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Ribas-Carbó
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
| | - Jaume Flexas
- Grup de Recerca en Biologia de les Plantes en Condicions Mediterrànies, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma, Spain
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Leaf physiological response to light environment of three tree fern species in a Mexican cloud forest. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467413000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Abundance and physiology of three understorey tree fern species were compared in a Mexican cloud forest. We hypothesized that the distribution of species would be associated with canopy openness and leaf physiological characteristics. In gullies (1–2% full sun), Alsophila firma was abundant, Cyathea divergens was distributed in moderately open places (4–9%), and Lophosoria quadripinnata preferred more open canopy (9–30%). Although 11 leaf traits of five plants of each species growing under closed and open canopies over 1 y did not differ within species, there were significant interspecific differences. Alsophila firma had comparatively low maximum electron transport rate ETRmax (26.8 ± 1.81 μmol m−2 s−1) and ETR light saturation point (ETRLSP: 261 ± 36.1 μmol m−2 s−1), high specific leaf area (SLA), thin leaves and decreased quantum yield during a leaf desiccation experiment. Cyathea divergens had relatively high maximum quantum yield (0.84 ± 0.004), ETRmax (37.3 ± 1.8 μmol m−2 s−1) and ETRLSP (409 ± 40.0 μmol m−2 s−1). Lophosoria quadripinnata had comparatively thick leaves, low SLA, high predawn water potential, high density (606 ± 25.5 mm−2) and small length (0.026 ± 0.002 mm) stomata. The results support the hypothesis that light sensitivity shapes tree fern distribution in the cloud forest.
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Gianoli E, Saldaña A. Phenotypic selection on leaf functional traits of two congeneric species in a temperate rainforest is consistent with their shade tolerance. Oecologia 2013; 173:13-21. [PMID: 23334233 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-013-2590-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Several studies across species have linked leaf functional traits with shade tolerance. Because evolution by natural selection occurs within populations, in order to explain those interspecific patterns it is crucial to examine variation of traits associated with shade tolerance and plant fitness at an intraspecific scale. In a southern temperate rainforest, two climbing plant species coexist but differ in shade tolerance. Whereas Luzuriaga radicans is most abundant in the shaded understory, L. polyphylla typically occurs in intermediate light environments. We carried out an intraspecific approach to test the hypothesis of differential selection patterns in relation to shade tolerance in these congeneric species. The probability of showing reproductive structures increased with specific leaf area (SLA) in L. polyphylla, and decreased with dark respiration in L. radicans. When reproductive output of fertile individuals was the fitness variable, we detected positive directional selection on SLA in L. polyphylla, and negative directional selection on dark respiration and positive directional selection on leaf size in L. radicans. Total light radiation differed between the microsites where the Luzuriaga species were sampled in the old-growth forest understory. Accordingly, L. radicans had a lower minimum light requirement and showed fertile individuals in darker microsites. L. radicans showed lower dark respiration, higher chlorophyll content, and greater leaf size and SLA than L. polyphylla. Results suggest that in more shade-tolerant species, established in the darker microsites, selection would favor functional traits minimizing carbon losses, while in less shade-tolerant species, plants displaying leaf traits enhancing light capture would be selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Gianoli
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile.
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Matesanz S, Horgan-Kobelski T, Sultan SE. Phenotypic plasticity and population differentiation in an ongoing species invasion. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44955. [PMID: 23028702 PMCID: PMC3446995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to succeed in diverse conditions is a key factor allowing introduced species to successfully invade and spread across new areas. Two non-exclusive factors have been suggested to promote this ability: adaptive phenotypic plasticity of individuals, and the evolution of locally adapted populations in the new range. We investigated these individual and population-level factors in Polygonum cespitosum, an Asian annual that has recently become invasive in northeastern North America. We characterized individual fitness, life-history, and functional plasticity in response to two contrasting glasshouse habitat treatments (full sun/dry soil and understory shade/moist soil) in 165 genotypes sampled from nine geographically separate populations representing the range of light and soil moisture conditions the species inhabits in this region. Polygonum cespitosum genotypes from these introduced-range populations expressed broadly similar plasticity patterns. In response to full sun, dry conditions, genotypes from all populations increased photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, and allocation to root tissues, dramatically increasing reproductive fitness compared to phenotypes expressed in simulated understory shade. Although there were subtle among-population differences in mean trait values as well as in the slope of plastic responses, these population differences did not reflect local adaptation to environmental conditions measured at the population sites of origin. Instead, certain populations expressed higher fitness in both glasshouse habitat treatments. We also compared the introduced-range populations to a single population from the native Asian range, and found that the native population had delayed phenology, limited functional plasticity, and lower fitness in both experimental environments compared with the introduced-range populations. Our results indicate that the future spread of P. cespitosum in its introduced range will likely be fueled by populations consisting of individuals able to express high fitness across diverse light and moisture conditions, rather than by the evolution of locally specialized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Matesanz
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tim Horgan-Kobelski
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Sonia E. Sultan
- Biology Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Leaf Physiological and Morphological Responses to Shade in Grass-Stage Seedlings and Young Trees of Longleaf Pine. FORESTS 2012. [DOI: 10.3390/f3030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Salgado-Luarte C, Gianoli E. Herbivores modify selection on plant functional traits in a temperate rainforest understory. Am Nat 2012; 180:E42-53. [PMID: 22766937 DOI: 10.1086/666612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
There is limited evidence regarding the adaptive value of plant functional traits in contrasting light environments. It has been suggested that changes in these traits in response to light availability can increase herbivore susceptibility. We tested the adaptive value of plant functional traits linked with carbon gain in contrasting light environments and also evaluated whether herbivores can modify selection on these traits in each light environment. In a temperate rainforest, we examined phenotypic selection on functional traits in seedlings of the pioneer tree Aristotelia chilensis growing in sun (canopy gap) and shade (forest understory) and subjected to either natural herbivory or herbivore exclusion. We found differential selection on functional traits depending on light environment. In sun, there was positive directional selection on photosynthetic rate and relative growth rate (RGR), indicating that selection favors competitive ability in a high-resource environment. Seedlings with high specific leaf area (SLA) and intermediate RGR were selected in shade, suggesting that light capture and conservative resource use are favored in the understory. Herbivores reduced the strength of positive directional selection acting on SLA in shade. We provide the first demonstration that natural herbivory rates can change the strength of selection on plant ecophysiological traits, that is, attributes whose main function is resource uptake. Research addressing the evolution of shade tolerance should incorporate the selective role of herbivores.
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Gianoli E, Saldaña A, Jiménez-Castillo M. Ecophysiological traits may explain the abundance of climbing plant species across the light gradient in a temperate rainforest. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38831. [PMID: 22685611 PMCID: PMC3369858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Climbing plants are a key component of rainforests, but mechanistic approaches to their distribution and abundance are scarce. In a southern temperate rainforest, we addressed whether the dominance of climbing plants across light environments is associated with the expression of ecophysiological traits. In mature forest and canopy gaps, we measured leaf size, specific leaf area, photosynthetic rate, and dark respiration in six of the most abundant woody vines. Mean values of traits and their phenotypic change (%) between mature forest and canopy gaps were predictor variables. Leaf size and specific leaf area were not significantly associated with climbing plant dominance. Variation in gas-exchange traits between mature forest and canopy gaps explained, at least partly, the dominance of climbers in this forest. A greater increase in photosynthetic rate and a lower increase in dark respiration rate when canopy openings occur were related to the success of climbing plant species. Dominant climbers showed a strategy of maximizing exploitation of resource availability but minimizing metabolic costs. Results may reflect phenotypic plasticity or genetic differentiation in ecophysiological traits between light environments. It is suggested that the dominant climbers in this temperate rainforest would be able to cope with forest clearings due to human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Gianoli
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad de La Serena, La Serena, Chile.
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20
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GIANOLI ERNESTO, VALLADARES FERNANDO. Studying phenotypic plasticity: the advantages of a broad approach. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2011.01793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Milla R, Escudero A, Iriondo JM. Congruence between geographic range distribution and local competitive ability of two Lupinus species. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2011; 98:1456-1464. [PMID: 21875973 DOI: 10.3732/ajb.1000519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY In spite of its relevance, we lack rigorous evidence on whether widespread species are superior local competitors compared with coexisting narrowly distributed congeners. We ran a competition experiment between two lupins that coexist at their shared geographic range: Lupinus angustifolius L. (widespread) and L. gredensis Gandoger (narrow endemic). • METHODS We set up mixed and monospecific populations of the two species, monitored survival and fecundity until the death of the whole cohorts, and measured variables of putative relevance to the competition process. We used aster modeling to address lifetime individual fitness and generalized linear models to assess the effect of species, type of competition, and competition environment on a suite of competition indices. • KEY RESULTS Lupinus angustifolius showed higher fitness and exerted a stronger competitive effect on its heterospecific neighbors. This occurred through higher fecundity late in the season rather than through differential survival at earlier stages. • CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence of lifetime superior competitive potential of a widespread species over a narrow endemic congener. This competitive response might scale up to the geographic distribution range and may partially explain the limited distribution of the narrow endemic. Extension to other carefully selected study cases and more in-depth field experiments may help to assess the generality of this pattern and understand how local processes translate into geographic patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Milla
- Área de Biodiversidad y Conservación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, c/ Tulipán s/n., E-28933 Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.
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Higher plasticity in ecophysiological traits enhances the performance and invasion success of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) in alpine environments. Biol Invasions 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-011-0055-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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23
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Matesanz S, Gianoli E, Valladares F. Global change and the evolution of phenotypic plasticity in plants. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1206:35-55. [PMID: 20860682 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05704.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Global change drivers create new environmental scenarios and selective pressures, affecting plant species in various interacting ways. Plants respond with changes in phenology, physiology, and reproduction, with consequences for biotic interactions and community composition. We review information on phenotypic plasticity, a primary means by which plants cope with global change scenarios, recommending promising approaches for investigating the evolution of plasticity and describing constraints to its evolution. We discuss the important but largely ignored role of phenotypic plasticity in range shifts and review the extensive literature on invasive species as models of evolutionary change in novel environments. Plasticity can play a role both in the short-term response of plant populations to global change as well as in their long-term fate through the maintenance of genetic variation. In new environmental conditions, plasticity of certain functional traits may be beneficial (i.e., the plastic response is accompanied by a fitness advantage) and thus selected for. Plasticity can also be relevant in the establishment and persistence of plants in novel environments that are crucial for populations at the colonizing edge in range shifts induced by climate change. Experimental studies show taxonomically widespread plastic responses to global change drivers in many functional traits, though there is a lack of empirical support for many theoretical models on the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. Future studies should assess the adaptive value and evolutionary potential of plasticity under complex, realistic global change scenarios. Promising tools include resurrection protocols and artificial selection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Matesanz
- Laboratorio Internacional de Cambio Global (LINC-Global), Instituto de Recursos Naturales, CCMA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
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Kao WY, Lin BL. Phototropic leaf movements and photosynthetic performance in an amphibious fern, Marsilea quadrifolia. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2010; 123:645-53. [PMID: 20091204 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-009-0300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Diurnal phototropism has not been reported in ferns. In this study we found that the four leaflets of the amphibious fern Marsilea quadrifolia are capable of adjusting their leaflet angle and leaflet azimuth in response to changes in the position of the sun's direct beam, exhibiting more diaphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina perpendicular to incident light) in the morning and late afternoon, and more paraphototropic movements (orienting the plane of the lamina parallel to incident light) at noon. In addition, by cutting off the leaflet lamina and covering portions of leaflets with black tape, the junction between the leaflet and petiole was found to be responsible for light reception. Among the light spectrum investigated, blue light was the most effective at inducing diaphototropism. The role of diurnal phototropism in enhancing carbon return and ameliorating photoinhibition was also evaluated. It was concluded that diurnal phototropic leaf movement represents one of the plastic responses enabling this amphibious fern to grow under terrestrial conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Kao
- Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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25
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Differences in light usage among three fern species of genus Blechnum of contrasting ecological breadth in a forest light gradient. Ecol Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-009-0656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Levin DA. Flowering-time plasticity facilitates niche shifts in adjacent populations. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2009; 183:661-666. [PMID: 19500267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02889.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The potential for a habitat shift is enhanced when selection against immigrants is augmented by a temporal difference between them and inhabitants of core populations. Genetically mediated changes in flowering time often accompany niche shifts in plants. The possibility that temporal change may arise from plastic responses to novel, stressful, environments rather than from genetic alteration has not been explored. This option is considered here, and it may be quite common. The substantial literature on transplant and common garden experiments shows that invaders of novel habitats are likely to undergo a developmentally based phenological shift. A phenological change in the invading population leads to assortative mating within populations, which in turn facilitates the evolution of local adaptation by the invader. Environmental induction may be the sole contributor to temporal change, or this factor may act in concert with genetic change. Flowering shifts based on developmental responses are immediate, not subject to remediation by gene flow and not affected by a paucity of genetic variation, negative genetic correlations or antagonistic pleiotropy, all of which might constrain phenological evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald A Levin
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78713, USA
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Violle C, Garnier E, Lecoeur J, Roumet C, Podeur C, Blanchard A, Navas ML. Competition, traits and resource depletion in plant communities. Oecologia 2009; 160:747-55. [PMID: 19352713 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-009-1333-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Valladares
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, CSIC. Serrano 115, E‐28006 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnológicas, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, c/ Tulipán s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Spain
| | - Ernesto Gianoli
- Departamento de Botánica, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160‐C Concepción, Chile
- Center for Advanced Studies in Ecology and Biodiversity (CASEB), P. Universidad Católica, Santiago, Chile
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Valladares F, Gianoli E, Gómez JM. Ecological limits to plant phenotypic plasticity. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2007; 176:749-763. [PMID: 17997761 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is considered the major means by which plants cope with environmental heterogeneity. Although ubiquitous in nature, actual phenotypic plasticity is far from being maximal. This has been explained by the existence of internal limits to its expression. However, phenotypic plasticity takes place within an ecological context and plants are generally exposed to multifactor environments and to simultaneous interactions with many species. These external, ecological factors may limit phenotypic plasticity or curtail its adaptive value, but seldom have they been considered because limits to plasticity have typically addressed factors internal to the plant. We show that plastic responses to abiotic factors are reduced under situations of conservative resource use in stressful and unpredictable habitats, and that extreme levels in a given abiotic factor can negatively influence plastic responses to another factor. We illustrate how herbivory may limit plant phenotypic plasticity because damaged plants can only rarely attain the optimal phenotype in the challenging environment. Finally, it is examined how phenotypic changes involved in trait-mediated interactions can entail costs for the plant in further interactions with other species in the community. Ecological limits to plasticity must be included in any realistic approach to understand the evolution of plasticity in complex environments and to predict plant responses to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Valladares
- Instituto de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, CSIC Serrano 115, Madrid, E-28006, Spain
- Departamento de Biología y Geología, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, C/Tulipán s/n, Móstoles, Madrid, E-28933, Spain
| | - Ernesto Gianoli
- Departamento de Botánica, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C Concepción, Chile
- Center for Advanced Studies in Ecology & Biodiversity (CASEB), P. Universidad Católica, Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - José M Gómez
- Grupo de Ecología Terrestre, Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Granada, E-18071, Spain
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Karst AL, Lechowicz MJ. Are correlations among foliar traits in ferns consistent with those in the seed plants? THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2007; 173:306-12. [PMID: 17204077 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01914.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Broad-based studies of gymnosperms and angiosperms reveal consistent and functionally significant correlations among foliar traits such as leaf mass per area (LMA), maximum photosynthetic rate (A(area)), foliar nitrogen (N(area)), foliar chlorophyll (Chl) and leaf longevity. To assess the generality of these relationships, we studied 20 fern species growing in the understorey of a temperate deciduous forest. We found that foliar N(area) increases with LMA, and that foliar N(area) and A(area) are positively correlated with one another, as are foliar N(area) and Chl. The ferns in general have very low LMA compared with most seed plants; A(area), N(area) and Chl are below median values for seed plants but are not extreme. Species with overwintering fronds have significantly higher LMA than species with fronds that senesce at the end of the growing season, as well as a significantly higher C : N ratio in frond tissue and relatively high foliar N on an areal basis. Correlations among foliar traits associated with gas exchange in these forest understorey ferns are in accordance with patterns reported for seed plants, suggesting a high degree of functional constraint on the interrelationships among key elements in foliar design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Karst
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada.
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