Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/3874
Title: Evidence of gynodioecy and sex ratio variation in 'Wurmbea biglandulosa' (Colchicaceae)
Contributor(s): Vaughton, Glenda Vera  (author); Ramsey, Michael William (author)
Publication Date: 2002
DOI: 10.1007/s006060200040
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/3874
Abstract: A valuable approach to understanding the evolution of gender dimorphism involves studies of single species that exhibit intraspecific variation in sexual systems. Here we survey sex ratios in 35 populations of Wurmbea biglandulosa, previously described as hermaphroditic. We found pronounced intraspecific variation in sexual systems; populations in the northeastern part of the species' range were hermaphroditic, whereas other populations were gynodioecious and contained 2–44% females. Populations with lower annual rainfall were more likely to be gynodioecious, supporting the view that gender dimorphism evolves more frequently in harsher environments. In gynodioecious populations, however, female frequency was not related to either annual rainfall or habitat, indicating that other factors are important in determining sex ratio variation. Females had smaller flowers and shorter stems than did hermaphrodites, potentially providing a basis for resource compensation. A female fecundity advantage may contribute to the maintenance of females in populations because females produced more ovuliferous flowers and had more ovules per flower than did hermaphrodites.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Plant Systematics and Evolution, 232(2), p. 167-179
Publisher: Springer Wien
Place of Publication: Austria
ISSN: 1615-6110
0378-2697
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 060799 Plant Biology not elsewhere classified
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 960806 Forest and Woodlands Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article

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