Can the variation in samara mass and terminal velocity on an individual plant affect the distribution of dispersal distances?

Article Abstract:

The effects of variation in samara mass/planform area and variation in vertical and horizontal wind on samara dispersal was investigated. First, the correlation between samara mass/planform area and terminal velocity (TV) was determined. Then, the correlations of TV and of vertical and horizontal wind to dispersal distances were determined using a micrometeorological model. TV is proportional to the square root of the samara mass and thus contributes little to wind dispersal. Therefore, selection for variation of mass in samaras to reduce sibling densities is unlikely.

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Running from trouble: long-distance dispersal and the competitive coexistence of inferior species

Article Abstract:

The mechanism that promotes competitive coexistence holds that inferior species can coexist with superior competitors by having larger dispersal rates. Studies on competition among Agropyron repens and sand dune annuals, however, do not indicate significant dispersal distance-competition tradeoffs. Results also suggest that the production of more seeds is more advantageous than long distance dispersal in a multispecies environment.

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Fecundity and dispersal in plant populations: implications for structure and diversity

Article Abstract:

A study of demographic models of tree populations to investigate the effect of dispersal and fecundity on population diversity and structure shows that seed production and various parameters of fecundity namely, disturbance, maturation, longevity and thinning affect the population's reproductive success and structure. Populations with good dispersal ability are more sensitive to maturation age when disturbance is common.

Models, Fertility, Plant populations

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