Links of ploidy with other traits and distributions of non-native plants in North America
| Authors: | Qinfeng Guo, Hong Qian, Shenhua Qian |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Southern Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcag086 |
| Source: | Annals of Botany |
Abstract
Polyploidization is becoming an increasingly important subject in ecology and invasion biology. To date, the role of polyploidy in the success of species invasions remains unclear. Here, we explore the associations between ploidy levels and seed size, reproductive mode, life form, time after introduction and range size of non-native plants introduced to North America, and whether polyploidization is related to invasion success.
Using data on 1804 non-native plant species in continental North America with information on chromosome numbers, we conducted comparative, correlation and regression analyses to investigate the possible links among ploidy level, multiple life-history traits and geographical distribution.
Among the 1804 species, 54 % were polyploids. The proportion of plants with three or more levels of ploidy was much higher in herbaceous species than in woody species. Species in aquatic, forb and graminoid forms had higher proportions of species that exhibit multiple ploidy levels than trees and shrubs. Range size was also positively related to levels of ploidy. We also observed clear differences in seed size among ploidy levels, but no correlation between chromosome number and seed size.
Our findings demonstrate that: (1) polyploidy is linked to other life-history traits at varying degrees or intensities; and (2) the level of ploidy appears to be important in regulating plant traits and distribution. The relationships of levels of ploidy to other traits and range size are useful in predicting species invasiveness and spread potential. Our findings thus have strong implications for invasion biology and management.