Exploring cost constraints on stem elongation in plants using phenotypic manipulation
Article Abstract:
An analysis of stem elongation in common bean Phaseolus vulgaris revealed that stem elongation through the use of gibberellic acid is costly to growth and fitness. The mechanism that generated these costs was allocation of resources from resource-harvesting roots and leaves for increased steam growth. Moreover, leaf area removal was found to boost the detectable costs of stem elongation. The results suggest that stem elongation is beneficial in competition for limiting light but intrinsic costs may contribute to the maladaptive character of increased stem elongation in non-limiting light conditions.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1999
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The elevational gradient in altitudinal range: an extension of Rapoport's latitudinal rule to altitude
Article Abstract:
Studies show that variations in the range of climactic conditions encountered by organisms along different geographical elevations determine species richness comparable to Rapoport's latitudinal rule. Species-rich communities are found more at lower altitudes and species-poor communities exist at higher altitudes, possibly because of frequent immigration to safer altitudes by species-rich communities. However, variables such as history, predation rates and fertility rates need to be considered in addition to climactic variations to assess the influences on species richness.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1992
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The branching habits and life history of woody plants
Article Abstract:
A survey of North American woody plants was conducted to determine the relationship between the size of lateral branches and the maximum size of the reach of individual plants. Measurements were taken from outline reproductions of shade-intolerant plants with well-defined canopies. Analysis of the measurements revealed an inverse correlation between branching and growth. Plants with large branches do not attain the size of plants with lighter branches.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1992
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