RESPONSE TO DENSITY IN A WILD POPULATION OF THE PERENNIAL HERB SALVIA LYRATA : VARIATION AMONG FAMILIES

摘要: In order to determine the potential for natural selection promote genetic specialization different environments, this study quantified variation response conspecific density and other aspects of environment that vary spatially. The progeny a random collection Salvia lyrata, perennial herb, were planted into source field in range densities several closely neighboring locations. highest particular locations induced significantly greater mortality relative remaining locations, indicating major effects spatial location on fitness. Over duration entire study, there was also significant among families mortality. survival data gave no indication their responses environments. Conversely, results based growth size indicated favored support hypothesis environment-dependent promotes environments species. correlation between leaf number high low small positive, near-independence performance densities.