Observations on the reproductive ecology of Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae). 2. Leaf width as a secondary sex character
Durako, M.J.; Moffler, M.D. (1985). Observations on the reproductive ecology of Thalassia testudinum (Hydrocharitaceae). 2. Leaf width as a secondary sex character. Aquat. Bot. 21(3): 265-275. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0304-3770(85)90054-3
In: Aquatic Botany. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; Oxford; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-3770; e-ISSN 1879-1522, more
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| Keywords |
Anatomical structures > Body organs > Plant organs > Leaves
Dimensions
Sex differences
Sexual dimorphism
Hydrocharitaceae Jussieu [WoRMS]; Thalassia testudinum K.D.Koenig, 1805 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Durako, M.J.
- Moffler, M.D.
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| Abstract |
Short-shoots of Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Koening were collected from 5 sites in Florida. A total of 284, 625-cm2 quadrat samples, containing 6182 short-shoots was analyzed for leaf width, inflorescence number and sex (the latter if determinable). Although leaf widths and reproductive densities differed at the 5 sites, leaf width was consistently greater when reproductive structures were present, and when the number of inflorescences increased. Sex ratios were male-biased for 4 of the 5 sites. Comparisons of leaf widths between the sexes indicated that leaf width constituted a secondary sex character for this species. Female short-shoots tend to have narrower leaves than male short-shoots. This relationship should also be considered when evaluating the significance of morphogeographic and stress-related variation in leaf width for this species. |
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