Abstract
Theory predicts that less fit individuals would disperse more often than fitter ones (Fitness Associated Dispersal, FAD hypothesis). To test this prediction under laboratory conditions, an entire life cycle of Lamium amplexicaule plants and the preferences of its dispersal agent, Messor ebeninus ants, were tracked. Characterization of individual L. amplexicaule plant revealed high variability in spot cover on the surface of the seeds, where less fit plants produce “unspotted seeds” (see Fig. 1 in Introduction). Unspotted L. amplexicaule seeds showed higher variation in germination time and lower germination rate. Moreover, M. ebeninus ants preferably collected these unspotted seeds. Our results show that low fitness L. amplexicaule plants produce seeds with higher potential for dispersal, supporting the FAD hypothesis in a plant-animal system.
Highlights
Dispersal, the spreading of organisms from one place to another, is one of the major forces shaping ecology and evolution
Theoretical models predict that Fitness Associated Dispersal (FAD) – where the less fit individuals within the population disperse themselves or their offspring more often than the fitter ones14,15 – is likely to evolve, as it increases the likelihood of less-successful genotypes to move to a different environment or to outcross with a different genotype[16]
In this study we show that L. amplexicaule seeds display natural variation in seed spot cover, which can be observed even within the context of a single seed lineage
Summary
The spreading of organisms from one place to another, is one of the major forces shaping ecology and evolution. Similar phenomena have been studied under different names, including genotype-dependent dispersal[17,18], dispersal plasticity[19], habitat selection[20], conditional movement[21], directed movement[22], and condition-dependent dispersal[9,23] Such a dispersal pattern can benefit the population as a whole in the long term, including an increased ability for complex adaptation[14], and a better match between a given genotype and its environment[9]. We sought to test the predictions of the FAD hypothesis, in the context of animal-based seed dispersal Sessile organisms such as plants often experience changes in their environment and cannot avoid these changes by moving to a different location within the same generation. The ability of plants to move their offspring to a different habitat is crucial for their survival and is mostly dependent on their ability to disperse their genetic content in the generation via pollen and seed dispersal
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
