The pattern of resource allocation in wild herbs of early (chir pine) and late successional (oak) communities in Central Himalaya

  • P. Mehrotra Ecology lab., Department of Botany, Kumaon University, Nainital 263002, India
  • P. Mehrotra Department of Forestry, Kumaon University, Nainital 263002, India
  • J. Ram Department of Forestry, Kumaon University, Nainital 263002, India
Keywords: herbs, resource partitioning

Abstract

Eight populations of four species of wild flowers characteristic of either early (chir pine) or late (oak) successional communities were analysed to determine patterns of dry mass allocation to component organs. The following patterns were determined: (1) The proportions of dry matter allocated to seed reproductive organs was greater in early successional populations than in late successional populations. (2) The herbs of late successional habitats allocated a greater proportion of their resources to leaves and belowground organs that herbs of early successional habitats. The plant from the less mature site tends to allocate a greater proportion of their total mass to reproductive structures. Through this shift, these plants avoided the risk in the production of their next generation.

Published
2001-12-01
How to Cite
Mehrotra, P., Mehrotra, P., & Ram, J. (2001). The pattern of resource allocation in wild herbs of early (chir pine) and late successional (oak) communities in Central Himalaya. Oecologia Montana, 10(1-2), 19-23. Retrieved from https://om.vuvb.uniza.sk/index.php/OM/article/view/128
Section
Standard articles