Variation of reproductive allocation along elevations in Saussurea stella on East Qinghai- Xizang Plateau

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1258.2012.01145

Abstract

Abstract:

Aims Our objective is to study the variation in floral traits of Saussurea stella in 20 populations in response to elevation and mean plant size on the East Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Methods We used population means to evaluate sources of variation in reproductive allocation within species. In addition, we used the sample investigation method and dry weight to evaluate biomass.
Important findings Reproductive allocation is negatively correlated with mean plant size. There are trade-offs of resource allocation in reproductive biomass and vegetative biomass, capitulum number and its weight, male and female as well as filament and pollen. Additionally, there is a relationship between variation in floral traits of S. stella and elevation. Consequently, the variation of floral traits ensures that S. stella pollinates effectively and completes sexual reproduction.

Key words: elevation, reproductive allocation, Saussurea stella, size-dependent, trade-off

WANG Yi-Feng, LI Mei, LI Shi-Xiong, GUO Jie, CHEN Yu-Ping, WANG Rui-Xue. Variation of reproductive allocation along elevations in Saussurea stella on East Qinghai- Xizang Plateau[J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2012, 36(11): 1145-1153.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1258.2012.01145

https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/Y2012/V36/I11/1145

Figures/Tables 8

References 37

1	Bazzaz FA, Ackelg DD (1992). Reproductive allocation and reproductive effort in plants. In: Fenner M ed. Seeds: The Ecology of Regeneration in Plant Communities. C. A. B. International, Oxon, UK. 1-26.
2	Bingham RA, Orthner AR ( 1998). Efficient pollination of alpine plants. Nature, 391, 238-239. DOI URL
3	Caruso CM ( 2004). The quantitative genetics of floral trait variation in lobelia: potential constraints on adaptive evolution. Evolution, 58, 732-740. DOI URL
4	Charnov EL (1982). The Theory of Sex Allocation. Princeton University Press, Princeton.
5	Chen ZF ( 陈智发), Gao JY ( 高江云 ) ( 2011). Study on size-dependent sex allocation in Hedychium coccineum (Zingiberaceae). Journal of Yunnan University (Natural Science Edition) ( 云南大学学报(自然科学版)), 33, 584-603. (in Chinese with English abstract)
6	Fan BL ( 樊宝丽), Meng JL ( 孟金柳), Zhao ZG ( 赵志刚), Du GZ ( 杜国祯 ) ( 2008). Influence of altitude on reproductive traits and resource allocation of species of Ranunculaceae at east Qinghai Tibetan Plateau. Acta Botanica Boreali- Occidentalia Sinica (西北植物学报), 28, 805-811. (in Chinese with English abstract)
7	Flora of China Editorial Committee, Chinese Academy of Sciences(中国科学院中国植物志编辑委员会) ( 1999). Flora Repubulicae Popularis Sinicae (中国植物志), (Tomus 78). Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
8	Gadgil M, Solbig OT ( 1972). The concept of r- and K-selec- tion: evidence from wild flowers and some theoretical considerations. The American Naturalist, 106, 14-31. DOI URL
9	Harder LD, Barrett SCH ( 1995a). Mating cost of large floral displays in hermaphrodite plants. Nature, 373, 512-515. DOI URL
10	Harder LD, Barrett SCH (1995b). Pollen dispersal and mating patterns in animal-pollinated plants. In: Lloyd DG, Barrett SCH eds. Floral Biology: Studies on Floral Evolution in Animal-Pollinated. Chapman & Hall, New York. 140-190.
11	He YH ( 何玉慧), Zhao HL ( 赵哈林), Liu XP ( 刘新平), Zhao XY ( 赵学勇), Li YL ( 李玉霖), Zhao W ( 赵玮 ) ( 2009). Reproductive allocation and its relationship with the size of Corispermum elongatum in different sandy habitats. Arid Zone Research (干旱区研究), 26, 59-64. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
12	Körner CH (2008). Functional Plant Ecology of High Mountain Ecosystems. Science Press, Beijing.
13	Körner CH, Larcher W ( 1988). Plant life in cold climates. Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology, 42, 25-57.
14	Li J ( 李俊 ) ( 2006). The Ecological Adaptation Mechanism of Saussurea stella Maxim (星状风毛菊(Saussurea stella Maxim.) 生态适应机制的研究). Master Degree dissertation, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming. (in Chinese with English abstract)
15	Li Y ( 李燕), Xue L ( 薛林), Liu HJ ( 刘虹君), Cao GX ( 操国兴 ) ( 2010). Size-dependent sex investment in Cardiocrinum giganteum (Liliaceae). Journal of Southwest University (Natural Science Edition) (兰州大学学报(自然科学版)), 32(12), 67-73. (in Chinese with English abstract)
16	Liang Y ( 梁艳), Zhang XC ( 张小翠), Chen XL ( 陈学林 ) ( 2008). Individual size and resource allocation in perennial Gentiana. Acta Botanica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica (西北植物学报), 28, 2400-2407. (in Chinese with English abstract)
17	Ma XL ( 马晓丽), Tan DY ( 谭敦炎), Li XR ( 李新蓉 ) ( 2011). Variation in floral sex allocation, pollinator movement and reproductive success in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus inflorescences. Biodiversity Science (生物多样性), 19, 432-440. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
18	Mcintosh ME ( 2002). Plant size, breeding system, and limits to reproductive success in two sister species of Ferocactus(Cactaceae). Plant Ecology, 162, 273-288. DOI URL
19	Meng LH ( 孟丽华), Wang ZK ( 王政昆), Liu CY ( 刘春燕), Zhu WL ( 朱万龙 ) ( 2011). Reproductive allocation of an alpine perennial, Polygonum macrophyllum. Acta Bota- nica Boreali-Occidentalia Sinica (西北植物学报), 31, 1157-1163. (in Chinese with English abstract)
20	Pickering CM ( 1994). Size-dependent reproduction in Australian alpine Ranunculus. Australian Journal of Botany, 19, 336-344.
21	Reekie EG ( 1998). An explanation for size-dependent reproductive allocation in Plantago major. Canadian Journal of Botany, 76, 43-50. DOI URL
22	Regon M, Harper JL, Townsend CR ( 1990). Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities. Black Well, London.
23	Su M ( 苏梅), Qi W ( 齐威), Yang M ( 阳敏), Du GZ ( 杜国祯 ) ( 2009). Altitudinal differences in flower traits and reproductive allocation of Delphinium pylzowii (Ranunculaceae) at east Qinhai Tibetan Plateau. Journal of Lanzhou University (Natural Science Edition) (兰州大学学报(自然科学版)), 45(2), 61-65. (in Chinese with English abstract)
24	Sun F ( 孙凡), Zhong ZC ( 钟章成 ) ( 1997). Reproductive allocation in Gordonia acuminata in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and analysis of its adaptation using gray rational degree. Acta Phytoecologica Sinica (植物生态学报), 21, 44-52. (in Chinese with English abstract)
25	Tomimatsu H, Ohara M ( 2006). Evolution of hierarchical floral resource allocation associated with mating system in an animal-pollinated hermaphroditic herb, Trillium camschat- cense(Trilliaceae). American Journal of Botany, 93, 134-141. DOI URL
26	Twasa Y, Cohen D ( 1989). Optimal growth schedule of a perennial plant. The American Naturalist, 33, 480-505.
27	Wang L ( 王丽), Tan DY ( 谭敦炎 ) ( 2011). Floral syndrome and secondary pollen presentation in Codonopsis clematidea (Campanulaceae). Biodiversity Science (生物多样性), 19, 24-33. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
28	Wang Y ( 汪洋), Du GZ ( 杜国祯), Guo SQ ( 郭淑青), Zhao ZG ( 赵志刚 ) ( 2009). Trade-off between size and number of capitulum and seed in Saussurea japonica: effects of resource availability. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology (植物生态学报), 33, 681-688. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
29	Wang Y ( 王赟), Hu LJ ( 胡莉娟), Duan YW ( 段元文), Yang YP ( 杨永平 ) ( 2010). Altitudinal variations in reproductive allocation of Bergenia purpurascens (Saxifragaceae). Acta Botanica Yunnanica (云南植物研究), 32, 270-280. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
30	Wang YF ( 王一峰), Gao HY ( 高宏岩), Shi HY ( 施海燕), Wang JH ( 王剑虹), Du GZ ( 杜国祯 ) ( 2008). Adaptive significance of Saussurea parviflora’s sexual organs, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Journal of Plant Ecology (Chinese Version) (植物生态学报), 32, 379-384. (in Chinese with English abstract)
31	Wang YF ( 王一峰), Liu QQ ( 刘启茜), Pei ZY ( 裴泽宇), Li HY ( 李海燕 ) ( 2012). Correlation between altitude and reproductive allocation in three Saussurea species on China’s Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology (植物生态学报), 36, 39-46. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL
32	Wang YJ ( 王永建), Fang X ( 方兴), Zhong ZC ( 钟章成 ) ( 2010). Effect of different habitats on floral, fruit and seed traits of Iris japonica Thunb. Acta Ecologica Sinica (生态学报), 30, 4628-4635. (in Chinese with English abstract)
33	Worley AC, Barrett SCH ( 2000). Evolution of floral display in Eichhornia paniculata( Pontederiaceae): direct and correlated responses to selection on flower size and number. Evolution, 54, 1533-1545.
34	Zhang DY ( 张大勇 ) (2004). Life History Evolution in Plants and Reproductive Ecology (植物生活史进化与繁殖生态学). Science Press, Beijing. (in Chinese)
35	Zhang JG ( 张景光), Zhang ZS ( 张志山), Wang XP ( 王新平), Li XR ( 李新荣), Wang S ( 王桑), Ma FY ( 马风云 ) ( 2005). Reproductive allocation of annual plant Eragrostis poaeoides in planted area for sand fixation in Shapotou Region. Journal of Desert Research (中国沙漠), 25, 202-206. (in Chinese with English abstract)
36	Zhang LJ ( 张林静), Shi YX ( 石云霞), Pan XL ( 潘晓玲 ) ( 2007). Analysis of correlativity between reproductive allocation and altitude in plants. Journal of Northwest University (Natural Science Edition) ( 西北大学学报(自然科学版)), 37, 77-80, 90. (in Chinese with English abstract)
37	Zhao F ( 赵方), Yang YP ( 杨永平 ) ( 2008). Reproductive allocation in a dioecious perennial Oxyria sinensis (Polygonaceae) along altitudinal gradients. Journal of Systematics and Evolution (植物分类学报), 46, 830-835. (in Chinese with English abstract) DOI URL

居群 Population	采集日期 Collection date (year-month-day)	海拔 Elevation (m)	经纬度 Longitude and latitude	生境 Habitat
1	2009-8-23	2 850	102.92° E, 36.98° N	河滩地 Flood land
2	2009-8-23	2 850	102.92° E, 36.99° N	河边山坡草地 Hillside meadow of riverside
3	2009-8-23	2 900	102.91° E, 36.97° N	山坡灌丛 Hillside shrub
4	2009-8-23	2 900	102.90° E, 36.97° N	灌丛 Shrub
5	2009-8-23	3 200	102.89° E, 36.95° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
6	2009-8-23	3 200	102.88° E, 36.95° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
7	2009-8-25	3 300	103.35° E, 34.69° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
8	2009-8-25	3 300	103.35° E, 34.58° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
9	2009-8-25	3 500	103.33° E, 34.57° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
10	2009-8-25	3 500	103.34° E, 34.54° N	灌丛 Shrub
11	2009-8-26	3 600	103.54° E, 34.61° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
12	2009-8-26	3 600	103.50° E, 34.58° N	草地 Meadow
13	2009-8-28	3 680	102.04° E, 33.97° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
14	2009-8-28	3 680	102.07° E, 34.00° N	草地 Meadow
15	2009-8-28	3 800	102.05° E, 34.08° N	草地 Meadow
16	2009-8-28	3 800	102.05° E, 34.02° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
17	2009-8-28	4 000	102.02° E, 33.99° N	草地 Meadow
18	2009-8-28	4 000	102.04° E, 34.01° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
19	2009-8-30	4 050	102.50° E, 34.60° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
20	2009-8-30	4 050	102.48° E, 34.58° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow

居群 Population	采集日期 Collection date (year-month-day)	海拔 Elevation (m)	经纬度 Longitude and latitude	生境 Habitat
1	2009-8-23	2 850	102.92° E, 36.98° N	河滩地 Flood land
2	2009-8-23	2 850	102.92° E, 36.99° N	河边山坡草地 Hillside meadow of riverside
3	2009-8-23	2 900	102.91° E, 36.97° N	山坡灌丛 Hillside shrub
4	2009-8-23	2 900	102.90° E, 36.97° N	灌丛 Shrub
5	2009-8-23	3 200	102.89° E, 36.95° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
6	2009-8-23	3 200	102.88° E, 36.95° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
7	2009-8-25	3 300	103.35° E, 34.69° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
8	2009-8-25	3 300	103.35° E, 34.58° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
9	2009-8-25	3 500	103.33° E, 34.57° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
10	2009-8-25	3 500	103.34° E, 34.54° N	灌丛 Shrub
11	2009-8-26	3 600	103.54° E, 34.61° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
12	2009-8-26	3 600	103.50° E, 34.58° N	草地 Meadow
13	2009-8-28	3 680	102.04° E, 33.97° N	山坡灌丛草地 Hillside meadow and shrub
14	2009-8-28	3 680	102.07° E, 34.00° N	草地 Meadow
15	2009-8-28	3 800	102.05° E, 34.08° N	草地 Meadow
16	2009-8-28	3 800	102.05° E, 34.02° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
17	2009-8-28	4 000	102.02° E, 33.99° N	草地 Meadow
18	2009-8-28	4 000	102.04° E, 34.01° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
19	2009-8-30	4 050	102.50° E, 34.60° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow
20	2009-8-30	4 050	102.48° E, 34.58° N	山坡草地 Hillside meadow

[1]	Rao Chaokang, Tang Liang. Characteristics and Drivers of Mangrove Phyllosphere Microbial Communities across Different Tidal Elevations [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2026, 50(预发表): 1-.
[2]	WEI Xin, JIANG Lan, ZHENG Chen-Cheng, ZHU Jing, CHEN Bo, LI Wen-Zhou, LAI Shu-Yu, LIU Jin-Fu, HE Zhong-Sheng. Distribution and influencing factors of woody plant sexual systems along elevational gradient on the south slope of Daiyun Mountain [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2026, 50(1): 150-159.
[3]	CHEN Kai, YANG Yan, XU Ling, JIANG Zhong-Hua. Variations in seed morphology and germination of Primula denticulata along an elevational gradient in the mountains of southwestern Yunnan, China [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2025, 49(7): 1119-1127.
[4]	LI Meng-Qi, MIAO Ling-Feng, LI Da-Dong, LONG Yi-Fan, YE Bing-Bing, YANG Fan. Response of mangrove fine root functional traits to sediment nutrient changes at different tide levels in Dongzhaigang, Hainan, China [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2025, 49(4): 552-561.
[5]	WANG Wen-Wei, HAN Wei-Peng, LIU Wen-Wen. Short-term response of leaf functional traits of the invasive plant Spartina alterniflora to a tidal gradient in coastal wetlands [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2023, 47(2): 216-226.
[6]	LI Hao, MA Ru-Yu, QIANG Bo, HE Cong, HAN Lu, WANG Hai-Zhen. Effect of current-year twig stem configuration on the leaf display efficiency of Populus euphratica [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2021, 45(11): 1251-1262.
[7]	XIE Meng-Yi, FENG Xiu-Xiu, MA Huan-Fei, HU Han, WANG Jie-Ying, GUO Yao-Xin, REN Cheng-Jie, WANG Jun, ZHAO Fa-Zhu. Characteristics of soil enzyme activities and stoichiometry and its influencing factors in Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata forests in the Qinling Mountains [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2020, 44(8): 885-894.
[8]	LI Lei, WANG Yi-Feng, GOU Wen-Xia, MA Wen-Mei, JIANG Chun-Ling. Response of resource allocation of Saussurea leontodontoides during its fruiting stage to the elevation [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2020, 44(11): 1164-1171.
[9]	CHEN Yu-Han, LUO Yi-Fu, SUN Xin-Sheng, WEI Guan-Wen, HUANG Wen-Jun, LUO Fang-Li, YU Fei-Hai. Effects of waterlogging and increased soil nutrients on growth and reproduction of Polygonum hydropiper in the hydro-fluctuation belt of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2020, 44(11): 1184-1194.
[10]	ZHANG Ya-Zhou, WANG Song-Wei, HE Xiao-Fang, YANG Yang, CHEN Jian-Guo, SUN Hang. Altitudinal variation in flowering area and position and their ecological significances of an alpine cushion Arenaria polytrichoides, a gynodioecious herb [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2020, 44(11): 1154-1163.
[11]	ZHANG Chan, AN Yu-Meng, Yun JÄSCHKE, WANG Lin-Lin, ZHOU Zhi-Li, WANG Li-Ping, YANG Yong-Ping, DUAN Yuan-Wen. Processes on reproductive ecology of plant species in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and adjacent highlands [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2020, 44(1): 1-21.
[12]	YUAN Dan-Yang, ZHU Liang-Jun, ZHANG Yuan-Dong, LI Zong-Shan, ZHAO Hui-Ying, WANG Xiao-Chun. Comparison of elevational changes in relationships of blue intensity and ring width index in Picea jezoensis with climatic responses in Laobai Mountain of Jilin, China [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2019, 43(12): 1061-1078.
[13]	Ming-Fei ZHAO, Feng XUE, Yu-Hang WANG, Guo-Yi WANG, Kai-Xiong XING, Mu-Yi KANG, Jing-Lan WANG. Phylogenetic structure and diversity of herbaceous communities in the conifer forests along an elevational gradient in Luya Mountain, Shanxi, China [J]. Chin J Plan Ecolo, 2017, 41(7): 707-715.
[14]	Dao-Xin LI, Guo LI, Ze-Hao SHEN, Shen-Dong XU, Qing-Yu HAN, Gong-Fang WANG, Feng-Lei TIAN. Growth-form regulates the altitudinal variation of interspecific seed mass of woody plants in Mt. Dalaoling, the Three Gorges Region, China [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2017, 41(5): 539-548.
[15]	Ming-Zhe MA, Guo-Zhen SHEN, Gao-Ming XIONG, Chang-Ming ZHAO, Wen-Ting XU, You-Bing ZHOU, Zong-Qiang XIE. Characteristic and representativeness of the vertical vegetation zonation along the altitudinal gradient in Shennongjia Natural Heritage [J]. Chin J Plant Ecol, 2017, 41(11): 1127-1139.