Intraspecific variation in seed dispersal between annual and perennial populations.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Seed dispersal impacts plant fitness by shaping the habitat and distribution of offspring, influencing population dynamics and spatial genetic diversity. Whether the evolution of dispersal strategies varies across herbaceous life forms (annual, perennial or clonal) is unresolved. In this study, we examine how seed-dispersal strategies vary between annual and perennial populations of Mimulus guttatus (syn. Erythranthe guttata), investigating differences in seedpod orientation and shape and in the probability and distance of seed dispersal.

Methods

We conducted a greenhouse experiment using 190 plants from six populations of annual and perennial M. guttatus, to compare floral orientation, seedpod architecture and its effect on seed dispersal. We used contro

SUBMITTER: Velichka J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12401872 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature