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Annual report for 2004
Author(s) -
Eunsuk Kim
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
eppo bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.327
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1365-2338
pISSN - 0250-8052
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2338.2005.00902.x
Subject(s) - geography
Natural variation of reproductive lifespan has been reported in diverse biennial plant species. However, few studies in plants have investigated the adaptive significance of reproductive lifespan under natural conditions. Life history theory hypothesizes that monocarpy is an extreme case of reproductive cost, and the evolution of monocarpy is a byproduct of natural selection for maximal reproductive output. However, the modular viewpoint of plant structure, comparative studies, and previous genetic studies in animal species suggest a different hypothesis: reproductive lifespan might be influenced by reproductive effort as well as size at maturation, juvenile growth rates, and adult survival. In order to test whether and how natural selection favors monocarpy in biennial plant species, I conducted a demographic survey in 8 Erysimum capitatum natural populations inclwding a population in South Shanahan trail of Shanahan Ridge, City of Boulder. This species shows natural variation in morphology and life histories along an altitudinal gradient.