The Role of Slugs in Dispersal of the Asexual Propagules of Dicranum flagellare

Kimmerer, Robin Wall; Young, Craig C.

doi:10.2307/3243652

Cited by 33 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Compared to spores, asexual propagules are commonly larger and lack specialised release mechanisms, and are hence likely to disperse only over short distances (Shaw 2000). Studies on bryophyte dispersal support the view that spores have a wider dispersal range (McQueen 1985;Söderström and Jonsson 1989;Miles and Longton 1992;Stoneburner et al 1992;Sundberg 2005; but see, Roads and Longton 2003) than asexual propagules (Kimmerer 1991(Kimmerer , 1994Kimmerer and Young 1995). Only few studies have been conducted to explore the dispersal distances of asexual propagules in mosses and, as far as we are aware, none in hepatics (see Laaka-Lindberg et al 2003).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Dispersal potential of spores and asexual propagules in the epixylic hepatic Anastrophyllum hellerianum

et al. 2006

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Dispersal ability is of great importance for plants, which commonly occupy spatially and temporally limited substrate patches. Mixed reproductive strategies with abundant diaspore production are favoured in a heterogeneous landscape to ensure successful colonisation at different distances. In bryophytes, long-distance dispersal has been thought to take place primarily by spores, while asexual propagules are important in local dispersal and in the maintenance of colonies. In the present study, we investigated the dispersal potential of two equally sized propagules, sexually formed spores and asexually produced gemmae in the dioecious, epixylic hepatic, Anastrophyllum hellerianum, which inhabits spatially and temporally limited substrate patches. We trapped propagules at different distances (0-10 m) and directions from the source colonies in two experiments: one in a natural habitat within a forest and another involving an artificial set-up in an open habitat. Spore dispersal showed only slight distance dependence both in the open and the forest habitats, presumably as a consequence of wind affecting the dispersal pattern. Gemma dispersal was more strongly distance-dependent in the open habitat than in the forest sites. Considerably more gemmae were deposited during rainy than dry periods, possibly because of the effect of rain drops on gemma release. However, weather conditions had no effect on the dispersal patterns of spores or gemmae. In A. hellerianum, the combination of occasional spore production and practically continuous, massive gemma production facilitates dispersal both on local scale and over long distances. Unlike previously assumed, not only spores but also the asexual propagules may contribute to longdistance dispersal, thus allowing considerable gene flow at the landscape level.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Dispersal potential of spores and asexual propagules in the epixylic hepatic Anastrophyllum hellerianum

et al. 2006

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“…Frego (1996) observed detached or fragmented stems within several metres of their origin. On a local scale, possible dispersal vectors include wind, slugs, and small mammals (Kimmerer and Young 1995;Heinken and Zippel 2004). However, as shown by Heinken et al (2001), dispersal of stem fragments is not completely limited to short distances.…”

Section: Response Of Bryophyte Speciesmentioning

confidence: 98%

The effects of windthrow on plant species richness in a Central European beech forest

et al. 2006

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“…Dispersal of vegetative moss fragments by both invertebrates (Gerson 1982; van Tooren & During 1988) and vertebrates (Kimmerer & Young 1996) has been observed. Kimmerer & Young (1995, 1996) have experimentally demonstrated the physical potential for dispersal of asexual propagules via chipmunks and slugs. The dispersal ecology of bryophytes remains skewed toward spore dispersal studies (e.g.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stress tolerance of rare and common moss species in relation to their occupied environments and asexual dispersal potential

Cleavitt

2002

Journal of Ecology

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Summary1 Species rarity in mosses may be linked to narrow physiological tolerance and habitat specificity of established colonies and gametophyte fragments (i.e. fragments of stem apices). Stress tolerance and habitat light and moisture were compared for three rare and three common moss species. 2 Observed habitat specificity was more likely to correspond to physiology in the common species. In particular, one common species, Mnium spinulosum , was limited by intolerance of high light conditions and is characteristic of deeply shaded conifer stands, while another, Bryum pseudotriquetrum , lacked desiccation tolerance and is typical of moist areas such as stream banks. However, the rare species, Mielichhoferia macrocarpa , which occurred in the darkest and wettest sites was not intolerant of high light or desiccation. 3 The relationship between desiccation tolerance and habitat moisture (based on a mesic to xeric scale) was less clear than in prior bryophyte studies, suggesting that a more rigorous quantification of habitat moisture is needed. 4 Contrary to predictions, the rare species did not have narrower physiological tolerances than the common species. The match between environment and physiology for common species probably results from their occupation of more of the potentially suitable sites. 5 There may also be selection for broader physiological tolerance in rare species resulting from their greater reliance on asexual reproduction, which might explain their relatively high desiccation tolerance both as colonies and fragments.

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The Role of Slugs in Dispersal of the Asexual Propagules of Dicranum flagellare

Cited by 33 publications

References 10 publications

Dispersal potential of spores and asexual propagules in the epixylic hepatic Anastrophyllum hellerianum

Dispersal potential of spores and asexual propagules in the epixylic hepatic Anastrophyllum hellerianum

The effects of windthrow on plant species richness in a Central European beech forest

Stress tolerance of rare and common moss species in relation to their occupied environments and asexual dispersal potential

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