濒危植物秦岭冷杉群落数量特征及其动态

对石人山自然保护区秦岭冷杉群落特征和动态进行了研究,结果表明:秦岭冷杉群落共有种子植物61种,分属27科40属,群落垂直结构简单,可分为乔木层、灌木层和草本层。秦岭冷杉和华山松种群大、中胸径的个体占绝对优势,幼苗、幼树较少,属于衰退种群;湖北花楸小、中胸径的个体占优势,属于进展种群。通过聚类分析,将秦岭冷杉群落分为5个群丛类型:①秦岭冷杉 湖北花楸-山刺玫-结缕草群丛;②秦岭冷杉 华山松-秀雅杜鹃-藜芦群丛;③秦岭冷杉 血皮槭-黄刺玫-野菊群丛;④秦岭冷杉 华山松-箭竹-牛蒡群丛;⑤秦岭冷杉 锐齿栎-箭竹-水芹群丛。5个群丛类型均处于动态变化中,种群恢复应实行就地保护,减少人为干扰,促进天然更新。     

濒危植物秦岭冷杉生殖生态学特征

为了探索秦岭冷杉种群生殖生态学主要特征,通过样地调查、固定样地观测和室内实验分析,系统研究了秦岭地区5个秦岭冷杉（Abies chensiensis）种群生殖特性及其与环境因素的关系,结果表明,5个不同生境的种群都具有结实能力,海拔1500～1600m之间,秦岭冷杉球果的产量较高;各种群球果主要分布在树冠中上部和东、南、西方向;球果以中部产生饱满种子比率最高;秦岭冷杉种子千粒重为43．2g,其中具有生活力者占44．8％,种子的平均含水量为5．7％左右;在天然林散落条件下,种子库的萌发率仅为6．1％,霉坏、搬迁率93．9％;人工播种条件下,种子发芽率在苗圃内高于天然条件下,中低海拔高于高海拔地区。天然条件下,由种子转化成幼苗的过程是秦岭冷杉种群生活史的脆弱环节。秦岭冷杉林经营管理要以就地保护为主,促进种群生殖;要通过森林经营措施,为林下种子萌发和幼苗创造条件;种子脱落后,要及时扰动林下灌木、草本,使种子能够顺利落地,促其发芽成苗;种子大年要注意采种、育苗,扩大人工种群;速生丰产林培育应该以中低海拔的阴坡为主。     

濒危植物秦岭冷杉结实特性的研究

秦岭冷杉 (Abieschensiensis) 是松科冷杉属常绿乔木, 为我国特有珍稀濒危植物。该文在秦岭冷杉分布最为集中的秦岭地区分高、低 2个海拔高度采集当年球果和种子, 通过野外观察、室内实验和对比分析, 研究秦岭冷杉的结实特征以及球果和种子的基本性状, 并探讨这些特征在不同海拔高度的差异。结果表明, 与冷杉属其它树种相比, 秦岭冷杉球果和种子较大、单果种子数较多, 但空粒多、饱满度低。自然状况下饱满度为 12.0 %, 人工目视分选后饱满度 2 1.6 %, 风选后可达到 38.1%, 其余种子大部分为空粒、涩粒, 有少量虫粒。随海拔高度增加, 秦岭冷杉天然群体成龄个体中结实母树比例降低, 结实量减少。秦岭冷杉总体结实母树比例为 5 5 %, 低海拔处结实母树比例较高, 为 76 %, 高海拔结实母树比例为 34%。秦岭冷杉单株母树的平均结实量为 113个, 结实量小于 10 0个的母树占 6 4.5 %, 其中 5 0 %的母树结实量在 5 0~ 10 0个, 结实量在 10 0~ 2 0 0个的占 16.1%, 2 0 0个以上的占 19.4 %。 2 0 0个以上球果的个体均生长在低海拔区间, 高海拔处结实量多在 10 0个以下。方差分析表明, 两个海拔高度间球果和种子特征差异是显著的, 绝大部分球果和种子性状指标的平均值在低海拔处大于高海拔处。因此, 从结实特性以及球果和种子的特征来看, 低海拔处秦岭冷杉生殖生长好于高海拔处。     

濒危植物秦岭冷杉种群数量动态

为了对濒危植物秦岭冷杉种群数量动态评价和预测,通过样地调查和数据统计,研究了秦岭冷杉种群的年龄结构、静态生命表及其与环境因子关系,运用时间序列模型预测了种群数量动态.结果表明,多数秦岭冷杉种群幼龄级个体数较少,中老龄个体数量较大,呈衰退趋势.仅处于低海拔地区的秦岭冷杉-木蓝-苔草群丛中的种群(D种群)由于立地条件较好,幼龄级个体数量相对丰富,种群稳定.不同秦岭冷杉种群生命表和存活曲线的分析表明,尽管生境条件差异,但存活曲线基本接近DeeveyⅢ型;不同种群偏离典型存活曲线的程度与幼苗缺乏程度有关,一般Ⅲ～Ⅴ龄级死亡率较高.时间序列分析表明,在未来20、40和80年中,不同秦岭冷杉种群均会呈现老龄级株数先增后减的趋势,种群稳定性长期维持困难.对影响秦岭冷杉种群增长的10个环境因子通过主成分分析(PCA)发现,乔木层盖度、土壤有机质含量和空气湿度对种群发挥有利影响,而人为干扰和光照强度对秦岭冷杉种群增长发挥不利影响.应充分利用秦岭冷杉性喜荫、耐寒、种子活力较强的特点,加强现有林分就地保护,重点是具有结实能力的中老龄个体;在阴坡地带,对林下灌木比较密集的群丛,通过砍灌、清理林下活地被物等抚育措施,为幼苗发育创造良好的环境条件;就地采种育苗,扩大人工种群.     

濒危植物秦岭冷杉种群空间分布格局及动态

为阐明秦岭冷杉种群分布格局动态特征,达到有效保护和恢复的目的,通过野外调查,采用相邻格子样方法,离散分布拟合、扩散系数、Morisita指数、均方-曲线等方法,对不同生境和年龄阶段的秦岭冷杉种群的空间分布格局及其动态进行了系统研究。结果表明：（1）秦岭冷杉种群空间分布格局在不同发育阶段和不同生境条件下基本属于聚集型分布,在25m^2、150m^2和300m^2的面积上聚集强度较大。天然条件下,种群聚集强度最大取样尺度,可能是其种群更新的最佳面积。（2）秦岭冷杉种群空间分布格局随海拔上升,聚集强度降低;聚集强度在海拔1300～1700m较小,在海拔1700～2100m地区较大;阴坡种群分布聚集强度大于阳坡。（3）随着种群年龄增加,分布格局由聚集型向随机型过渡,聚集强度减弱;聚集性最强的尺度规模在幼、中龄期为50m^2,老龄期为300m^2。（4）种群的空间分布格局与生物生态学特性、生境条件关系密切。在未来森林经营和种群恢复中,应针对生境和种群年龄,森林抚育管理作业面积应该尽量接近聚集强度最大的尺度。低海拔和阴坡应该适度间伐非目的乔木树种,高海拔和阳坡地区,应适度清理灌木和草本层,为群落内团块状更新创造空间;实行就地保护,减少人为干扰,促进天然更新保护策略。     

秦岭山地华山松林群落学特征研究

以秦岭南坡华山松群落为对象,分析了其群落特征,结果表明,华山松群落共容纳种子植物166种,分属51科111属,区系组成丰富;在植物区系地理成分上,属的分布类型以温带性质居多,共65个,占总属数的66．7％,表明了群落植物区系组成的温带亲缘;在群落外貌特征上,华山松群落高位芽植物最多,占75．9％,叶级以中型叶为主,共96种,占57．8％,叶型以单叶为主,共139种,占83．7％;群落可分为乔、灌、草3个层次,亦有层间植物伴生;随年龄增长,群落中华山松种群空间结构呈集群分布→随机分布→集群分布变化,聚块指标变化不大,其聚块面积在100m^2左右波动;种群格局强度随年龄阶段变化缓慢,处于较弱的生境异质性变化状态中;尽管缺失某些年龄阶段的幼数、幼苗现象存在,华山松林作为一个稳定群落在该区域仍占有优势地位。     

秦岭冷杉球果与种子的形态变异

在秦岭冷杉的天然分布区 ,分别选取核心区和边缘区进行取样 ,比较球果和种子的形态变异。核心区为秦岭地区 ,边缘区选在湖北神农架地区。根据秦岭冷杉分布特征 ,核心区沿海拔高度连续采样 ,边缘区选择两个不同海拔高度的种群 ,分单株采样 ,测量了球果、种子、种鳞、种翅等器官的 15个形态指标。相关分析表明 ,秦岭冷杉球果和种子形态特征 (变化 )与海拔高度显著相关 ,说明海拔因素影响着球果和种子形态变异。比较发现 ,核心区 (即秦岭地区 )的秦岭冷杉球果和种子的绝大部分指标均值显著大于边缘区 (即神农架地区 ) ,说明秦岭冷杉在核心区的生殖生长好于边缘区。相同海拔条件下 ,秦岭冷杉球果和种子形态在地区间差异显著 ,约 85 %的变异来自地区内个体间和个体内 ,说明秦岭冷杉的球果和种子形态特征变化受遗传控制更显著。在边缘区还比较了不同种群间、人工林和天然林在球果和种子形态特征的差异。球果和种子形态在同一地区两个种群间、在人工林与天然林间都有显著差异 ,大部分人工林球果和种子指标均值和变异幅度大于天然林 ,表明通过人为经营可以改善秦岭冷杉的一些生殖性状     

小陇山红桦次生林物种组成与立木的点格局分析

选择秦岭西段小陇山典型红桦次生林群落样地进行物种组成及种群径级结构研究,并运用单变量O-ring函数、双变量O-ring函数对各种群的空间分布格局及种间相关性进行多尺度分析.结果表明:在红桦次生林群落样地中,红桦占据明显的优势地位;从径级结构看,红桦幼苗匮乏,天然更新不良,而巴山冷杉和山杨更新状态良好;红桦和旱柳主要表现为随机分布,巴山冷杉和山杨表现为小尺度聚集性分布格局;红桦与巴山冷杉和山杨在中尺度上呈正相关,而旱柳与红桦、巴山冷杉和山杨在小尺度上呈负相关,其余种间相关性不明显.目前小陇山红桦次生林群落种群的分布格局在小尺度上决定于种群的生物学特性,而在更大尺度上决定于环境异质性;未来一段时间内,先锋种群红桦将处于生长优势地位,但从长远看,仍需要人工辅助更新.     

元宝山冷杉群落主要树木种群间联结关系的研究

元宝山冷杉 (Ａｂｉｅｓｙｕａｎｂａｏｓｈａｎｅｎｓｉｓ)是广西特有的珍稀濒危植物 ,为古老的残遗物种 ,它对研究我国古代植物区系的发生和演变 ,以及古气候、古地理 ,特别是对第四纪冰期气候的探讨有学术价值[6] 。元宝山冷杉仅分布于广西北部融水县的元宝山蓝坪峰一带 ,种群个体数量不足 90 0株 ,天然更新不良 ,多为老树及幼树、幼苗 ,罕见青壮年个体。研究元宝山冷杉群落主要树木种群间的联结关系 ,对于研究种群间的相互作用 ,群落的组成和动态 ,阐明种群生态学以及进一步保护好元宝山冷杉 ,保存物种多样性 ,具有重要的现实意义。1　…     

濒危植物秦岭石蝴蝶的生态学特性及濒危原因分析

通过野外调查和随机取样法,对仅产于陕西勉县的中国特有濒危植物秦岭石蝴蝶( Petrocosmea qinlingensis W. T. Wang)群落的维管植物组成、垂直结构和分布区类型及其种群特征和土壤化学性质进行了调查和分析;在此基础上,初步探讨了该种类的濒危原因。调查结果显示：秦岭石蝴蝶为喜阴植物,仅分布于山体海拔约640 m的区域,种群面积仅约42 m2;土壤为黄棕壤,呈中性(pH 6.50),土壤中有机质含量较高,全氮、全磷和全钾含量较低,有效铁、有效镁、有效钠和有效钙含量则较高;秦岭石蝴蝶种群中个体数量约1000株,多生长于覆有土壤或苔藓的岩石上,也有部分成年个体生长在裸露且瘠薄的岩石上。秦岭石蝴蝶群落中共有维管植物28种,隶属于23科28属;其中,蕨类植物3科4属4种,裸子植物1科1属1种,被子植物19科23属23种,优势科和优势属不明显。秦岭石蝴蝶群落垂直结构明显,可分为乔木层、灌木层和草本层,其中,乔木层优势种为杜仲( Eucommia ulmoides Oliver),灌木层优势种为华西小石积( Osteomeles schwerinae Schneid.),草本层优势种为裂叶荨麻( Urtica lobatifolia S. S. Ying)。该群落维管植物科的分布型以热带分布型科为主,其中泛热带分布型科占明显优势;属的分布型以温带分布型属为主,其中北温带分布型属占优势;中国特有分布的科和属均很少;总体上看,该群落具有暖温带向亚热带过渡的特点。在秦岭石蝴蝶种群的不同样方中,成年个体和幼苗数量均有一定差异,成年个体占14.6%~37.5%,幼苗占61.3%~80.0%,幼苗数量明显高于成年个体;各样方的单株叶片数为7~9,冠幅为6.0~7.2 cm,大多数样方的单株结实量小于4,表明在同一个种群的不同生境中秦岭石蝴蝶的分布和生长状况有明显差异。根据调查结果,推测种群规模较小、分布范围狭窄以及人为干扰可能是造成秦岭石蝴蝶濒危的主要原因,而人为干扰是其中的重要原因。     

猴耳环天然更新特性

为研究药用植物猴耳环（Archidendron clypearia）的天然更新特性,2015年7月和2016年7月对广东省广州市、惠州市和深圳市主要森林公园、自然保护区和生态公益林内天然分布的42株母树进行了天然更新状况调查,并采用熵值法对更新效果进行评价。结果表明：（1）母树的上下和左右冠幅十分接近,但97.6%的母树存在偏冠现象,尤以向坡下偏冠更为明显,上坡方向树冠宽度约为下坡的1/2;偏冠是影响种子散布范围的主要原因之一;（2）与母树的距离与不同方向对种子雨量影响显著,但两者对苗木的数量和径高生长没有显著影响;（3）林冠下≤ 1 a的苗木占总数的87.8%,且林下无5年及以上的幼树,预示猴耳环依靠天然更新维持种群增长困难较大;（4）用信息熵理论导出的更新指数来评价与母树不同距离的更新效果显示,与母树距离越远更新效果越差;距母树0~3 m范围内更新效果最好;（5）猴耳环具有诸多"极小种群野生植物"的特征,亟需对其资源分布现状及生物生态学特性开展进一步的深入调查和研究。     

西天山野果林不同居群黑果小檗土壤种子库及幼苗更新研究

通过野外调查及采集土样,对新疆西天山野果林内黑果小檗(Berberis atrocarpa Schneid.)3个自然居群(霍城、新源和特克斯)的土壤种子库及幼苗更新情况进行研究。结果显示,3个居群内黑果小檗土壤种子质量无显著差异,霍城、新源和特克斯居群黑果小檗土壤种子库中完整种子分别占种子总数的51.6%、49.4%和54.1%。霍城、新源和特克斯居群黑果小檗完整种子均聚集在枯枝落叶层,分别为98.4%、97.4%和100%,3个居群5~10 cm土层均未发现黑果小檗种子。土壤种子水平扩散距离随着坡度的增加逐渐增大。霍城、新源和特克斯居群黑果小檗幼苗均为根蘖苗,根蘖繁殖可使幼苗扩散到母株周围100 cm范围或更远处。Ⅱ级苗(20~40 cm)数量最多,占幼苗总数的50%;3个居群黑果小檗的Ⅰ级苗(0~20 cm)向Ⅱ级苗的转化率均为100%;霍城和新源居群Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级(40~60 cm)苗间的转化率较低,分别为29%和32%,特克斯居群Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级苗间的转化率较高,为78%。研究结果表明西天山野果林黑果小檗种子易滞留于地表,难以进入土壤深层且土壤中种子霉变率高,这可能是黑果小檗自然更新困难的原因。     

The dynamics of three shrub species in a fire-prone temperate savanna: the interplay between the seed bank, seed rain and fire regime

A model was developed to assess how the seed rain and fire regime affect seed bank dynamics and seedling establishment of three native shrub species (Acanthostyles buniifolius, Baccharis pingraea and Baccharis dracunculifolia) with different regeneration strategies, in temperate South American savanna. Seed bank and seed rain were quantified for each species under different fire regimes, and their relative roles in regeneration were evaluated. All species had short-term persistent seed banks and high annual variability in seed production. A high proportion of seeds deposited in the seed rain produced seedlings after fire; few entered the soil seed bank. Fire killed a high proportion of the seeds in the soil seed bank. Seedlings derived from the seed rain had a higher probability of surviving for 2 years than seedlings emerging from the soil seed bank. In the absence of fire, establishment depended on germination both from the seed rain and the soil seed bank, whereas with annual fire, establishment was primarily dependent on germination of seeds arriving in the annual seed rain, regardless of species’ regeneration strategies. These results help to explain changes in the vegetation of South American temperate savannas as a result of changes in fire regime and grazing management during the last 50 years. By revealing the crucial roles of the soil seed bank and seed rain in regeneration, this study provides vital information for the development of appropriate management practices to control populations of shrub species with different regeneration strategies in South American temperate savannas.     

Principles of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests for Restoration

Tropical dry forests are the most threatened tropical terrestrial ecosystem. However, few studies have been conducted on the natural regeneration necessary to restore these forests. We reviewed the ecology of regeneration of tropical dry forests as a tool to restore disturbed lands. Dry forests are characterized by a relatively high number of tree species with small, dry, wind‐dispersed seeds. Over small scales, wind‐dispersed seeds are better able to colonize degraded areas than vertebrate‐dispersed plants. Small seeds and those with low water content are less susceptible to desiccation, which is a major barrier for establishment in open areas. Seeds are available in the soil in the early rainy season to maximize the time to grow. However, highly variable precipitation and frequent dry spells are important sources of mortality in seeds and seedlings. Collecting seeds at the end of the dry season and planting them when soil has sufficient moisture may increase seedling establishment and reduce the time they are exposed to seed predators. Germination and early establishment in the field are favored in shaded sites, which have milder environment and moister soil than open sites during low rainfall periods. Growth of established seedlings, however, is favored in open areas. Therefore, clipping plants around established seedlings may be a good management option to improve growth and survival. Although dry forests have species either resistant to fire or that benefit from it, frequent fires simplify community species composition. Resprouting ability is a noticeable mechanism of regeneration in dry forests and must be considered for restoration. The approach to dry‐forest restoration should be tailored to this ecosystem instead of merely following approaches developed for moister forests.     

濒危植物秦岭冷杉种子萌发特性的研究

 秦岭冷杉(Abies chensiensis)为中国特有种,主要分布于中国秦巴山地,现为渐危种,被列为国家二级保护植物。经测定,秦岭冷杉种子千粒重为(33.92±1.01)g,与其它冷杉属的种子比较,其种子千粒重较大。四唑（TTC,1.0 %）染色测种子生活力的结果表明:有生活力的种子占26.00%,空粒占20.50%,涩粒占33.75%,说明秦岭冷杉种子饱满度很差,反映了比较高的种子败育率;染色结果与对比发芽实验的结果很接近,说明用四唑染色来测定秦岭冷杉种子的生活力是较准确的方法。把种子进行0、14、21、28d低温(4℃)层积处理,发现低温层积可以显著提高种子发芽率和发芽势,但是层积21d与28d发芽势没有差异。设置恒温20℃、25℃和变温20～30℃ 3种温度条件下发芽比较,发现最终的发芽率并没有差异,但是发芽势差异显著,恒温25℃达到最大发芽率的90%的时间要比另外两种温度下提前9d,可见25℃是秦岭冷杉种子发芽的适宜温度。光照(8 h·d-1,100μmol·m-2·s-1)和黑暗下种子的最后发芽率差异不显著,但是光照发芽势高,可见光照可以促进秦岭冷杉种子发芽迅速、整齐。实验证明,用砂床做发芽基质与用纸床做发芽基质相比,前者的发芽率和发芽势均比后者高。     

Spatial patterns of tree recruitment in a relict population of Pinus uncinata: forest expansion through stratified diffusion

Aim To infer future changes in the distribution of isolated relict tree populations at the limit of a species’ geographical range, a deep understanding of the regeneration niche and the spatial pattern of tree recruitment is needed. Location A relict Pinus uncinata population located at the south‐western limit of distribution of the species in the Iberian System of north‐eastern Spain. Methods Pinus uncinata individuals were mapped within a 50 × 40‐m plot, and their size, age and reproductive status were estimated. Data on seed dispersal were obtained from a seed‐release experiment. The regeneration niche of the species was assessed based on the associations of seedling density with substrate and understorey cover. The spatial pattern of seedlings was described using point‐pattern (Ripley's K) and surface‐pattern (correlograms, Moran's I) analyses. Statistical and inverse modelling were used to characterize seedling clustering. Results Pine seedlings appeared aggregated in 6‐m patches. Inverse modelling estimated a longer mean dispersal distance (27 m), which corresponded to the size of a large cluster along the north to north‐eastward direction paralleled by an eastward trend of increasing seedling age. The two spatial scales of recruitment were related to two dispersal processes. The small‐scale clustering of seedlings was due to local seed dispersal in open areas near the edge of Calluna vulgaris mats: the regeneration niche. The long‐range expansion might be caused by less frequent medium‐distance dispersal events due to the dominant north‐westerly winds. Main conclusions To understand future range shifts of marginal tree populations, data on seed dispersal, regeneration niche and spatial pattern of recruitment at local scales should be obtained. The monitoring of understorey communities should be a priority in order to predict correctly shifts in tree species range in response to global warming.     

On the adaptive value of large seeds for tropical moist forest trees: A review and synthesis

In moist temperate and tropical environments species that typically become established in closed, shaded habitats tend to have larger seeds than those that regenerate in open, secondary habitats. Despite this common pattern and the frequency with which benefits of small seed size for early successional species (large number, enhanced dispersal potential) have been discussed, little attention has focused on the advantages of large seeds for species that regenerate in closed, late successional associations. It is generally considered that large seeds enhance seedling survivorship at low light intensities. However, light intensity is only one of several factors that differ between shaded and sunlit habitats. This review examines microclimatic and biotic differences between shaded subcanopy habitats in mature tropical forests and those in sunlit, light gap habitats in which the early stages of tropical forest succession occur. Each factor is examined as a possible selective agent responsible for maintaining seed size differences between two guilds of tropical rainforest trees; the pioneer species that have small seeds and typically become established in large, sunlit gaps in the forest canopy and the persistent, relatively shade-tolerant species that have larger seeds and produce seedlings that survive for variable periods of time in the shade beneath the forest canopy. Three microclimatic factors that differ in subcanopy and gap habitats are examined; temperature, moisture, and light intensity. It is unlikely that temperature has been an important selective agent in maintaining the differences in seed sizes observed between the pioneer and persistent tree guilds. However, greater desiccation stress in light gaps might prevent successful regeneration of larger seeds in this habitat and thus might impose the smaller mean seed sizes of pioneer species. Reduced light intensities in subcanopy habitats also could favor larger seeds in the persistent guild because large seed reserves might 1) enhance the abilities of seeds to persist until suitable light (or moisture) conditions arise by providing for metabolic requirements of seeds during quiescent periods, 2) provide secondary compounds for defense of persistent seedlings against pathogens and predators during periods of low energy availability, 3) provide energy for construction of large amounts of photosynthetic tissue needed to maintain a positive net energy balance when light conditions are just above the leaf light compensation point of the plant, 4) provide energy for growth into higher light intensity strata, and 5) provide nutrients for replacement of lost or damaged tissues in persistent seedlings. Differences between soils in light gaps and subcanopy habitats are considered briefly. It is concluded that too little is known for predictions to be made regarding the probable effects of soil differences on the sizes of seeds able to survive in each habitat. Finally, differences between the two habitats in four biotic factors (competition, predation, pathogens, and mycorrhizal availability) are considered. Of these, greater competition for nutrients in the subcanopy habitat, and competition among co-germinating seedlings for light could have been important in favoring large seeds in the guild of persistent species. Pathogens are known to be more effective in shaded habitats, but data on seedling resistance to pathogens do not provide support for a role of seed size in enhancing resistance. Although differences in predation intensity and in mycorrhizal abundance in the two habitats have not been evaluated in the field, potential roles of these two factors in maintaining the seed size differential between these two guilds of forest trees are discussed. Despite the existence of numerous potential benefits of large seed reserves, seed sizes often must reflect compromises between conflicting selective pressures. Environmental conditions (e.g., moisture availability) can impose upper limits on seed size. Enhanced dispersal potential and greater total propagule numbers from maternal energy reserves are benefits of small seed size that can counterbalance selection for large seed reserves. The interactions between selective forces in molding seed sizes are discussed in a final section.     

Relationships between intra‐specific variation in seed size and recruitment in four species in two contrasting habitats

Large seeds contain more stored resources, and seedlings germinating from large seeds generally cope better with environmental stresses such as shading, competition and thick litter layers, than seedlings germinating from small seeds. A pattern with small‐seeded species being associated with open habitats and large‐seeded species being associated with closed (shaded) habitats has been suggested and supported by comparative studies. However, few studies have assessed the intra‐specific relationship between seed size and recruitment, comparing plant communities differing in canopy cover. Here, seeds from four plant species commonly occurring in ecotones between open and closed habitats (Convallaria majalis, Frangula alnus, Prunus padus and Prunus spinosa) were weighed and sown individually (3200 seeds per species) in open and closed‐canopy sites, and seedling emergence and survival recorded over 3 years. Our results show a generally positive, albeit weak, relationship between seed size and recruitment. In only one of the species, C. majalis, was there an association between closed canopy habitat and a positive seed size effect on recruitment. We conclude that there is a weak selection gradient favouring larger seeds, but that this selection gradient is not clearly related to habitat.