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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Relating Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Functional Traits

Relating Stomatal Conductance to Leaf Functional Traits

Published on: October 12, 2015

Phenotypic selection on leaf ecophysiological traits in Helianthus.

L A Donovan¹, F Ludwig¹, D M Rosenthal¹

¹Department of Plant Biology, University of Georgia, Athens GA 30606, USA.

The New Phytologist

|June 26, 2009

Summary

Plant habitats influence trait selection. Nutrient limitation drives adaptation in Helianthus anomalus, showing selection for leaf nitrogen (N) and water-use efficiency (WUE) in active dune environments.

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Published on: January 30, 2020

Area of Science:

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Plant Science

Background:

Soil resource availability significantly impacts plant trait selection.
Understanding phenotypic selection is crucial for plant adaptation to diverse habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate spatial and temporal variation in phenotypic selection on leaf ecophysiological traits.
To compare selection pressures between active and stabilized dune habitats for Helianthus populations.

Main Methods:

Assessed leaf size, succulence, nitrogen (N) concentration, and water-use efficiency (WUE).
Utilized artificial hybrids of Helianthus anomalus and Helianthus deserticola to infer habitat-specific selection.
Analyzed phenotypic selection across different populations and years.

Main Results:

Active dune habitats were more growth-limiting, with lower N and higher water availability.
Direct selection differed between habitats for leaf N and WUE, but not for size or succulence.
Leaf N showed habitat-specific selection, while WUE selection varied within the H. anomalus habitat.

Conclusions:

Nutrient limitation is a key selective force driving adaptation in Helianthus anomalus.
Leaf N concentration is a critical trait for adaptation to active dune environments.
Habitat-specific selection pressures shape plant trait evolution.