In:
Ecology Letters, Wiley, Vol. 22, No. 2 ( 2019-02), p. 302-312
Abstract:
C 4 photosynthesis is a complex trait that boosts productivity in warm environments. Paradoxically, it evolved independently in numerous plant lineages, despite requiring specialised leaf anatomy. The anatomical modifications underlying C 4 evolution have previously been evaluated through interspecific comparisons, which capture numerous changes besides those needed for C 4 functionality. Here, we quantify the anatomical changes accompanying the transition between non‐C 4 and C 4 phenotypes by sampling widely across the continuum of leaf anatomical traits in the grass Alloteropsis semialata . Within this species, the only trait that is shared among and specific to C 4 individuals is an increase in vein density, driven specifically by minor vein development that yields multiple secondary effects facilitating C 4 function. For species with the necessary anatomical preconditions, developmental proliferation of veins can therefore be sufficient to produce a functional C 4 leaf anatomy, creating an evolutionary entry point to complex C 4 syndromes that can become more specialised.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1461-023X
,
1461-0248
DOI:
10.1111/ele.2019.22.issue-2
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2019
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1441608-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020195-3
SSG:
12
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