Evolutionary drivers of mast-seeding in a long-lived desert shrub

Susan E. Meyer; Burton K. Pendleton

doi:10.3732/ajb.1500209

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Evolutionary drivers of mast-seeding in a long-lived desert shrub

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Susan E. Meyer, Burton K. Pendleton

Year:

2015

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1500209

Source:

American Journal of Botany. 102(10): 1666-1675.

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Abstract

Patterns of reproductive output in blackbrush did not track current growing season precipitation, but instead were regulated by prior-year weather cues. The strength of the response to the masting cue depended on habitat quality, with higher mean reproductive output, shorter intervals between years of high seed production, and lower CVp at more favorable sites. Wind pollination efficiency was demonstrated to be an important evolutionary driver of masting in blackbrush, and satiation of heteromyid seed predator-dispersers was supported as an evolutionary driver based on earlier studies.

Keywords

blackbrush, Coleogyne ramosissima, mass flowering, predator satiation, resource matching, wind pollination efficiency

Citation

Meyer, Susan E.; Pendleton, Burton K. 2015. Evolutionary drivers of mast-seeding in a long-lived desert shrub. American Journal of Botany. 102(10): 1666-1675.