10.5061/DRYAD.JH9W0VT6S
Colom, Sara
0000-0002-6889-0295
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Baucom, Regina
0000-0001-7960-498X
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Belowground competition can influence the evolution of root traits
Dryad
dataset
2019
2019-11-12T00:00:00Z
2019-11-12T00:00:00Z
en
178516 bytes
2
CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication
Although root traits play a critical role in mediating plant-plant
interactions and resource acquisition from the soil environment, research
examining if and how belowground competition can influence the evolution
of root traits remains largely unexplored. Here we examine the potential
that root traits may evolve as a target of selection from interspecific
competition using Ipomoea purpurea and I. hederacea, two closely related
morning glory species that commonly co-occur in the United States as a
model system. We show that belowground competitive interactions between
the two species can alter the pattern of selection on root traits in each
species. Specifically, competition with I. purpurea changes the pattern of
selection on root angle in I. hederacea, and competitive interactions with
I. hederacea changes the pattern of selection on root size in I. purpurea.
However, we did not uncover evidence that intraspecific competition
altered the pattern of selection on any root traits within I. hederacea.
Overall, our results suggest that belowground competition between closely
related species can influence the phenotypic evolution of root traits in
natural populations. Our findings provide a microevolutionary perspective
of how competitive belowground interactions may impact plant fitness,
potentially leading to patterns of plant community structure.