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Sexual asymmetry in hermaphroditic plants
1Michael Ross is at the Dept of Forest Genetics, University of Gottingen, Büsgenweg 2, 3400 Göttingen, FRG.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 15, 2011
Summary
Hermaphroditic plants show varied gamete production, challenging the assumption of equal male and female function. This sexual asymmetry impacts plant reproduction and evolution.
Area of Science:
- Plant reproductive biology
- Evolutionary botany
- Sexual systems in plants
Background:
- Hermaphroditic plants are often assumed to function equally as males and females.
- Variation in ovule and pollen production within plant populations is common.
- This variation challenges the traditional view of balanced sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for sexual asymmetry in hermaphroditic seed plants.
- To explore models of sexual asymmetry and function.
- To discuss the biological and evolutionary implications of these variations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent evidence.
- Analysis of theoretical models on sexual asymmetry.
- Synthesis of findings on plant reproductive strategies.
Main Results:
- Significant evidence exists for sexual asymmetry in hermaphroditic seed plants.
- Non-constant pollen-to-ovule ratios are prevalent.
- Individual plants exhibit unequal male and female reproductive functioning.
Conclusions:
- The assumption of equal male/female function in hermaphrodites is often invalid.
- Sexual asymmetry is a key factor in plant reproductive evolution.
- Further research into asymmetry models is crucial for understanding plant evolution.
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