Covariation in abscission force and terminal velocity of windborne sibling seeds alters long‐distance dispersal projections

摘要: Summary Despite the fact that seeds are unlikely to be identical – even among siblings within a maternal individual dispersal models typically use one mean trait value represent ability of an entire species disperse. Previous work has shown environmental conditions under which individuals leave site strongly affect how far will travel. However, less is known about variation contributes or such might interact with abiotic factors. Here, we develop ergometer in novel application investigate seed traits, specifically force required for abscission and terminal velocity, exhibited by from different locations capitula invasive Carduus nutans (Asteraceae). We find centre significantly easier liberate have slower falling velocities than found near edge capitula. When positively correlated slowly falling, easily abscised, central projected travel much further on slow winds. Our experimental theoretical results, together show within-individual can model projections dispersal, important implications our broader understanding population spread rates, spatial structure populations, metapopulation connectivity gene flow landscape.