ISSN:
1572-9834
Keywords:
functional group
;
competitive
;
plant morphology
;
strategy
;
traits
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We provide evidence for the existence of a general relationship between plant size and survival strategy (sensu Grime 1974) in wetland habitats across a broad geographical range in European riverine wetlands. Between April−October, in 1991 and 1992, data on eight size-related traits were collected for 144 plant populations, drawn from 85 plant species, growing in riverine wetland habitats in Spain, France, Ireland and the UK. Two non-hierarchical techniques were used to classify plant populations, on the basis of these eight traits, into three groups with a good degree of internal cohesion and external isolation. The C-S-D plant strategy model (equivalent to the C-S-R model: Grime (1974)) was used as a summary of the survival strategy of a plant. Prior strategy classifications were available for 98 of the studied populations. UsingX 2 tests the frequency of strategies in the three groups was compared to the overall frequencies of strategies. The frequency of strategies in each of the three groups was significantly different compared to the overall frequencies. Group 1 (G1) contained over 75% of the total C strategists. Group 2 (G2) contained over 80% of all the C-S-D (intermediate) strategists from the total data set and Group 3 (G3) was intermediate between G1 and G2 but contained a stronger D component. These results suggest that size-related traits may be of value in describing the ecological survival strategies of plants, in terms of C-S-D. Statistical analysis revealed no evidence for a common phylogenetic origin of the functional plant groups identified. Plant size, and in particular height, proved to be a trait of particular value in differentiating between groups. Evidence from these data suggests that relationships between the size and the survival strategy of a plant may be generally valid across a wide range of geographical areas in wetland habitats. We provide evidence to suggest that survival strategies prevalent in the three groups could be linked to differences in plant tolerance of hydrological stress/disturbance factors (such as summer water table depth) in riverine wetlands of Europe.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01876135
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