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Leaf size, sapling allometry, and Corner's rules: phylogeny and correlated evolution in maples (Acer)
1Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
The American Naturalist
|September 25, 2008
Summary
Leaf size and canopy traits in Acer species evolved in two distinct groups, revealing key relationships between twig thickness, leaf size, and shade tolerance adaptations. These findings highlight integrated evolutionary theories for plant development.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Plant science
- Ecology
Background:
- Understanding trait evolution in plants is crucial for ecological and evolutionary studies.
- Acer species (maples) in temperate deciduous forests offer a model system for studying trait correlations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships among leaf size, sapling canopy allometry, and associated traits in 17 Acer species.
- To identify independent suites of coevolving traits and their functional significance.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences.
- Parsimony methods, randomization tests, and independent contrasts.
- Bivariate correlations and multivariate analyses to assess trait relationships.
Main Results:
- Two independent suites of coevolving traits were identified: one involving twig thickness, leaf size, and inflorescence length (Corner's rules), and another related to sapling crown allometry and shade tolerance.
- Seed size and mature height showed weak correlations with the first suite.
- Sapling crown size was negatively correlated with mature height but not with leaf or seed size.
Conclusions:
- Evolutionary correlations among twig, leaf, seed, inflorescence, and canopy dimensions are significant.
- Integrated theories are needed to explain the evolution and function of these diverse plant traits.
- Findings provide insights into maple species adaptation and diversification in forest understories.
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