Reproductive allometry in Pedicularis species changes with elevation

摘要: Summary 1. Plants produce biomass and then allocate some of it to reproductive structures, so the relationship between (R) vegetative (V) mass is a fundamental aspect plant’s strategy. 2. Differences among populations or taxa in allometric R V have been attributed environmental conditions. We hypothesize that living at high elevations should exhibit lower log vs. slope than those more benign environments, because limits on size alpine environments favour relatively large allocation smaller sizes investment reproduction per additional unit accumulated. 3. We investigated variation 44 naturally occurring representing 24 species Pedicularis Tibetan Plateau, test hypothesis declines with increasing elevation. 4. There was significant negative elevation populations, although within varied. interpret this terms abiotic limitations decreasing efficiency resource plant (measured as biomass) elevations. also found positive y-intercept regression across species, but not species. The combination slopes higher y-intercepts for high-elevation means plants growing proportionately less larger elevations. 5. Synthesis. (exponent) R–V decreases reflecting changes costs benefits increased elevation.