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Density-dependent germination response by seeds of desert annuals

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Summary

Field observations and experiments indicate that the presence of seedlings at high densities inhibits subsequent germination of desert annuals. Since plants growing at high densities face severe competition for limited resources, this response by seeds is interpreted as an adaptation to avoid an unfavorable competitive climate where growth and survivorship are likely to be low.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 85721, Tucson, Arizona, USA

    Richard S. Inouye

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  1. Richard S. Inouye
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Inouye, R.S. Density-dependent germination response by seeds of desert annuals. Oecologia 46, 235–238 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540131

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00540131

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