| Abstract Detail
Ferns on Oceanic Islands - From Dispersal to Long Lasting Diversity Farrar, Donald [1], Dassler, Cynthia L. [2]. The role of the gametophytic phase in colonization of oceanic islands. The native flora of the Hawaiian Islands contains about 160 leptosporangiate ferns. Islands of similar size, topographic diversity and climate, but geographically less isolated, often contain many more species, e.g., Taiwan with 520 species, the Philippine Islands with 941 species, Madagascar with 520 species. While the number of migrants to Hawaii is impressive, clearly restrictions to long-distance migration exist. Among these restrictions is a reduced spore rain and its consequences relative to establishment of species with intergametophytic mating systems. Obviously, the probability of two gametophytes maturing simultaneously within interactive distance declines with decrease in the density and frequency of spore deposit. This paper examines genetic and developmental restrictions imposed by intergametophytic mating systems and adaptations within the gametophyte generation that alleviate these restrictions. The latter include gametophyte morphology, longevity, vegetative reproduction and local migration via gemmae. Log in to add this item to your schedule
1 - Iowa State University, Department of Ecology, Evolution & Organismal Biology, 253 Bessey Hall, Ames, Iowa, 50011-1020, USA 2 - Ohio State University Herbarium, Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, Ohio State University Herbarium, 1315 Kinnear Road, Columbus, Ohio, 43210, USA
Keywords: fern gametophyte Migration long distance dispersal island biology mating systems.
Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation Session: SY11 Location: Lake Michigan/Hilton Date: Tuesday, July 10th, 2007 Time: 10:30 AM Number: SY11007 Abstract ID:1499 |