Abstract Detail

Reproductive Processes

Fetterly, Emma [1], Jabaily, Rachel [2], Bodine, Erin [3].

The role of clonal capability in life history of the Bromeliaceae- evidence from anatomy, development, and mathematical modeling.

Most bromeliad species have some ability to expand their body and asexually reproduce through the initiation of axillary meristems. Clonal ability, and inability, vary between taxa and are adaptive characters. Some taxa lack the ability to clone, and are thus semelparous- entirely reliant upon one attempt at sexual reproduction for continuation. The relative timing of clone production to inflorescence production differs between taxa, as does the number of clones produced, length of stolon and maintence of connectivity, and the relative energetic investment into the inflorescence versus vegetative growth. We present results from multiple complementary approaches that attempt to encapsulate and explain the variation in clonality and life history across the family. We consider the anatomical origin and tissue connections between mother rosette and clone. We analyze the developmental timing and allometric scaling of three bromeliad species studied for 18 months. We also present a mathematical model that suggests how clones are incorporated into equations of reproductive effort can drastically impact modeling of bromeliad life history.

1 - Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903, United States
2 - Colorado College, 14 E Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Spgs, CO, 80903-3243, United States
3 - Rhodes College, Dept of Mathematics, 2000 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN, 38112, USA

Keywords:
life history
Bromeliaceae
evolution
rosette
neotropics
anatomy.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Reproductive Processes Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PRP001
Abstract ID:243
Candidate for Awards:None