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“Highlight” of the Population Biology of Pauciennial Plants: Why Size Also Matters Zest of Pauciennial Plants Population Biology, or Why the Size of Plants Also Does Matter

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Abstract

Due to their unique set of biomorphological features, pauciennial (annual and biennial) plants differ substantially from all other plant life forms, including perennial species. Thus, classical approaches to the Russian population biology of plants, which are associated with spectral analysis of ontegenic states, often have quite limited applicability or are inapplicable in general, i.e. the development of special approaches is required. The extremely high plasticity of pauciennials, as well as ontogenetic multivariation, results in a high heterogenity of the rhythms and rates of development, life state, and reproductive capacity (fecundity); thus, long-term observations (monitoring) on permanent plots with registration of the size of individuals by the number of phytomers (modules) in the dynamics and phenophases. The naturally asynchronous germination of seeds in populations of many species leads to polycohortness, the subsequent appearance of seedling cohorts among the individuals of active parts in populations. Each subsequent group or cohort appears to develop in the more stressful variants of ecological regimes (increased competition) prevailing at the time and therefore consist of smaller individuals. Analysis of frequency distributions of size (biomass) spectra usually reveals a positive skewness and, in the case of correct usage of statistics, can provide valuable information on populations of pauciennial plants, their life span, and a detailed description of features of their specific life forms. In contrast to the earlier declared view, the total fecundity of the individuals of the smallest size classes is much higher than that of the few highly fertile, largest individuals. The smallest individuals are most effective in terms of reproduction; they have a high reproductive effort, while isometry is common in pauciennials populations.

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    M. V. Markov

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Markov, M.V. “Highlight” of the Population Biology of Pauciennial Plants: Why Size Also Matters Zest of Pauciennial Plants Population Biology, or Why the Size of Plants Also Does Matter. Biol Bull Rev 11, 451–461 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079086421050054

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