Sex-linked Niche Differentiation in Two Species of Thalictrum
Melampy MN. 1981. Sex-linked Niche Differentiation in Two Species of Thalictrum. The American Midland Naturalist. 106(2):325-334
ABSTRACT: The possibility that staminate (male) and pistillate (female) individuals of Thalictrum dioicum and Thalictrum polygamum occupy different niches and thereby partition potentially limiting resources was investigated. Data on spatial segregation between sexes and comparison of microsite quality, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic responses and survivorship for male and female plants were used to assess niche differentiation. Spatial segregation occurred in some populations but could be attributed to the effects of vegetative reproduction. Differences between the sexes in microsite quality and nutrient uptake were indicated but need to be further substantiated. No significant differences in photosynthetic responses between sexes were observed. Survivorship data indicate that females may be more stress-tolerant than males. None of the intersex differences is striking, which suggests that factors other than male-female resource partitioning were more important as the impetus for the evolution of dioecy in these plants.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Melampy, Michael
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, dioecy, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-01688, microsite quality, niche partitioning, nutrient uptake, photosynthetic response, plants Thalictrum, SER, sex ratio, Southeast Region, survivorship, vegetative reproduction