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The evolutionary ecology of mast seeding
1Dave Kelly is in Plant and Microbial Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 18, 2011
Summary
Masting in perennial plants is now understood through multiple theories beyond resource matching. Environmental prediction and wind pollination are key factors driving synchronized seed production.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Plant Sciences
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Historically, masting theories focused on resource matching and predator satiation.
- Recent research has broadened the understanding of masting causes in perennial plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize the current understanding of masting causes in perennial plants.
- To evaluate the relative importance of various proposed masting theories.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of research published since 1987.
- Analysis of the evidence supporting different hypotheses for masting.
Main Results:
- Resource matching is now considered a proximate factor, not the sole ultimate cause of masting.
- Predator satiation is one of several ultimate advantages, alongside wind pollination and environmental prediction.
- Other theories like animal pollination and large seed size have less empirical support.
Conclusions:
- Masting is a complex phenomenon driven by multiple interacting factors.
- Future research should focus on population synchrony and species with constant reproduction to further elucidate masting strategies.
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