Multi-trait interactions, not phylogeny, fine-tune leaf size reduction with increasing altitude.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Despite long-held interest, knowledge on why leaf size varies widely among species is still incomplete. This study was conducted to assess whether abiotic factors, phylogenetic histories and multi-trait interactions act together to shape leaf size.

Methods

Fifty-seven pairs of altitudinal vicariant species were selected in northern Spain, and leaf area and a number of functionally related leaf, shoot and whole plant traits were measured for each pair. Structural equation modelling helped unravel trait interactions affecting leaf size, and Mantel tests weighed the relative relevance of phylogeny, environment and trait interactions to explain leaf size reduction with altitude.

Key results

Leaves of highland vicariants were generally smaller than thos

SUBMITTER: Milla R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3043936 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature