Trade-offs between seed and leaf size (seed–phytomer–leaf theory): functional glue linking regenerative with life history strategies … and taxonomy with ecology?

摘要: Background and Aims While the 'worldwide leaf economics spectrum' (Wright IJ, Reich PB, Westoby M, et al. 2004. The worldwide spectrum. Nature428: 821-827) defines mineral nutrient relationships in plants, no unifying functional consensus links size attributes. Here, focus is upon size, a much-studied plant trait that scales positively with habitat quality components of size. objective to show this wide range explicable terms seed-phytomer-leaf (SPL) theoretical model defining trade-offs involving growth rate number building blocks (phytomers) which young shoot constructed. Methods Functional data for 2400+ species English Spanish vegetation surveys were used explore interrelationships between area, width, canopy height, seed mass dry matter content (LDMC). Key Results Leaf area was consistent function LDMC mass. Additionally, traits are partially uncoupled. First, broad laminas help confer competitive exclusion while morphologically large leaves can, through dissection, be functionally small. Secondly, but many largest-leaved medium height basally supported leaves. Thirdly, photosynthetic stems may represent viable alternative 'small seeds + leaves' disturbed, fertile habitats 'large small infertile ones. Conclusions Although key elements juvenile phase remain unmeasured, our results broadly support SPL theory phytometer product initial meristem (a parts per thousand... mass) duration growth. These allometrically constrained combine ecological specialization on individual species. Equally, they appear conservatively expressed within major taxa. Thus, 'evolutionary canalization' sensu Stebbins (Stebbins GL. 1974. Flowering plants: evolution above level. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press) perhaps associated both development, taxa routinely specialized respect ecologically important size-related traits.