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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Reproductive phenology of bryophytes in tropical rain forests: the sexes never sleep

Full text
Author(s):
Maciel-Silva, Adaises S. [1] ; Marques Valio, Ivany Ferraz [1]
Total Authors: 2
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Vegetal, Inst Biol, UNICAMP, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: BRYOLOGIST; v. 114, n. 4, p. 708-719, WIN 2011.
Web of Science Citations: 14
Abstract

Events of the sexual reproductive cycle of 11 bryophyte species (mosses and liverworts with monoicous and dioicous sexual conditions) were described for two different sites (montane and sea level) of a Brazilian tropical rain forest, during a 15 month-period. The sex expression of many species was continuous over the whole period, irrespective of the seasons and the forest sites. The specific sexual conditions of dioicous species did not change, but synoicous species had strategies to increase the chances of out-crossing, bearing unisexual branches in addition to bisexual ones. The pattern of gametangia and sporophyte development was different among the species, but the same between the sites. There was a seasonal effect on the maturation of gametangia and sporophytes. Male gametangia were mostly mature by the end of the dry season. Fertilization occurred during the wettest months and sporophytes developed during the dry season, dispersal of spores mostly towards the end of the dry season. Female gametangia were receptive over the whole period, with many mature gametangia before the start of the rainy season. Male gametangia, in contrast to female, took longer to develop and aborted in high numbers. Bryophytes in tropical rain forests are favored by wet weather and mild temperatures. Similar reproductive phenological patterns were found in different habitats with minor variations. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 03/12595-7 - Floristic composition, structure and functioning of the Dense Rainforest nuclei of Picinguaba and Santa Virgínia of Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, State of São Paulo, Brazil
Grantee:Carlos Alfredo Joly
Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants