The role of seed traits in determining the phylogenetic structure of temperate plant communities.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Phylogenetic clustering of species within plant communities can be expected to result from environmental filtering acting on an evolutionary-conserved plant trait. One such a candidate trait is the embryo to seed-size ratio (E:S). A high E:S may allow faster germination immediately after imbibition, and is therefore assumed to be advantageous in dry habitats. In this study the hypothesis was tested that habitat filtering driven by soil moisture conditions and acting on seed germination and seedling establishment is an important ecological mechanism in structuring temperate plant communities.

Methods

Vegetation samplings were performed in three habitats located within 200 km of each other in western Europe: Ellenberg indicator values showed that the habita

SUBMITTER: Vandelook F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3400449 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature