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Does selection for gamete dispersal and capture lead to a sex difference in clump water-holding capacity?

Author
Abstract
:

Differences in male and female reproductive function can lead to selection for sex-specific gamete dispersal and capture traits. These traits have been explored from shoot to whole plant levels in wind-pollinated species. While shoot traits have been explored in water-fertilized species, little is known about how whole plant morphology affects gamete dispersal and capture. We used the dioecious, water-fertilized plant Bryum argenteum to test for differences in clump morphology and water-holding characteristics consistent with divergent selection. We hypothesized that sex-specific clump morphology, arising at maturity, produces relatively low male water-holding capacity for gamete dispersal and high female capacity for gamete capture.

Year of Publication
:
2016
Journal
:
American journal of botany
Volume
:
103
Issue
:
8
Number of Pages
:
1449-57
ISSN Number
:
0002-9122
URL
:
https://doi.org/10.3732/ajb.1600096
DOI
:
10.3732/ajb.1600096
Short Title
:
Am J Bot
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