Herbivore‐induced defenses are not under phylogenetic constraints in the genus Quercus (oak): Phylogenetic patterns of growth, defense, and storage. Issue 10 (6th April 2021) - Perkovich, Cynthia
Abstract: The evolution of plant defenses is often constrained by phylogeny. Many of the differences between competing plant defense theories hinge upon the differences in the location of meristem damage (apical versus auxiliary) and the amount of tissue removed. We analyzed the growth and defense responses of 12 Quercus (oak) species from a well‐resolved molecular phylogeny using phylogenetically independent contrasts. Access to light is paramount for forest‐dwelling tree species, such as many members of the genus Quercus . We therefore predicted a greater investment in defense when apical meristem tissue was removed. We also predicted a greater investment in defense when large amounts of tissue were removed and a greater investment in growth when less tissues were removed. We conducted five simulated herbivory treatments including a control with no damage and alterations of the location of meristem damage (apical versus auxiliary shoots) and intensity (25% versus 75% tissue removal). We measured growth, defense, and nutrient re‐allocation traits in response to simulated herbivory. Phylomorphospace models were used to demonstrate the phylogenetic nature of trade‐offs between characteristics of growth, chemical defenses, and nutrient re‐allocation. We found that growth–defense trade‐offs in control treatments were under phylogenetic constraints, but phylogenetic constraints and growth–defense trade‐offs were not common in the simulated herbivory treatments. Growth–defense constraints exist within the Quercus genus, although there are adaptations to herbivory that vary among species. Abstract : Phylogenetic approaches to understanding trade‐offs between plant defense strategies may help predict patterns of growth, defense, and storage after herbivore damage. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze evolutionary patterns in plant responses in the genus Quercus . We found that phylogeny can be used to predict certain response traits, but many responses are species‐specific and patterns do not always exist at the species level.