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Seed size variation: magnitude, distribution, and ecological correlates

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Summary

We examined seed-mass variation in 39 species (46 populations) of plants in eastern-central Illinois, USA. The coefficient of variation of seed mass commonly exceeded 20%. Significant variation in mean seed mass occurred among conspecific plants in most species sampled (by hierarchical ANOVA), averaging 38% of total variance. For most species, within-plant variation was the larger component of total variance, averaging 62% of total variance. Variation in seed mass among fruits within crops was significant in most species tested.

We conclude that variation in seed mass among and within plants is widespread and common. There was little evidence of trade-offs between number of seeds and mean or variance of seed mass, and little correlational evidence of local competition for maternal resources. No consistent ecological (dispersal mode and growth form) correlates of variance of seed mass were evident.

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Author notes

  1. Helen J. Michaels

    Present address: Division of Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, 48109, Ann Arbor, MI

  2. B. Benner

    Present address: Department of Botany, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN

  3. A. P. Hartgerink & T. D. Lee

    Present address: Department of Botany, University of New Hampshire, 03824, Durham, NH

  4. Robert I. Bertin

    Present address: Department of Biology, College of the Holy Cross, 01610, Worcester, MA, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant Biology, Morrill Hall, University of Illinois, 505 S. Goodwin, 61801, Urbana, IL, USA

    Helen J. Michaels, B. Benner, A. P. Hartgerink, T. D. Lee & S. Rice

  2. Department of Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution, Shelford Vivarium, University of Illinois, 606 E. Healey St, 61820, Champaign, IL, USA

    Mary F. Willson & Robert I. Bertin

Authors
  1. Helen J. Michaels
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  2. B. Benner
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  7. Robert I. Bertin
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Michaels, H.J., Benner, B., Hartgerink, A.P. et al. Seed size variation: magnitude, distribution, and ecological correlates. Evol Ecol 2, 157–166 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02067274

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