Data from: Trait plasticity and tradeoffs shape intraspecific variation in competitive response in a foundation tree species
Cite this dataset
Cope, Olivia et al. (2021). Data from: Trait plasticity and tradeoffs shape intraspecific variation in competitive response in a foundation tree species [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.m0cfxpp2m
Abstract
- The ability to tolerate neighboring plants (i.e., degree of competitive response) is a key determinant of plant success in high-competition environments. Plant genotypes adjust their functional trait expression under high levels of competition, which may help explain intraspecific variation in competitive response. However, the relationships between traits and competitive response are not well understood, especially in trees. In this study, we investigated among-genotype associations between tree trait plasticity and competitive response.
- We manipulated competition intensity in experimental stands of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) to address the covariance between competition-induced changes in functional trait expression and aspects of competitive ability at the genotype level.
- Genotypic variation in the direction and magnitude of functional trait responses, especially those of crown foliar mass, phytochemistry, and leaf physiology, was associated with genotypic variation in competitive response. Traits exhibited distinct plastic responses to competition, with varying degrees of genotypic variation and covariance with other trait responses.
- The combination of genotypic diversity and covariance among functional traits led to tree responses to competition that were coordinated among traits yet variable among genotypes. Such relationships between tree traits and competitive success have the potential to shape stand-level trait distributions over space and time.
Methods
This file contains tree trait data from high- and low-competition stands. Each row is an individual tree and all data were collected in 2015 unless otherwise noted.
Usage notes
The second tab has README information on each variable
Funding
United States Department of Agriculture, Award: WIS01842
National Science Foundation, Award: DEB-1456592
National Science Foundation, Award: DGE-1747503