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Differentiation of multidimensional traits in a widespread plant invader
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  • Jinan Lu,
  • Yaolin Guo,
  • Christina Richards,
  • Linfeng Li,
  • Jihua Wu,
  • Bo Li,
  • Rui-Ting Ju
Jinan Lu
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Yaolin Guo
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Christina Richards
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
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Linfeng Li
Fudan University
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Jihua Wu
Lanzhou University
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Bo Li
Fudan University
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Rui-Ting Ju
Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Abstract

Rapid evolution contributes to plant invasion success. Previous studies have rarely considered the coevolution of multidimensional traits in invasive plants. We compared multiple traits related to growth, fecundity, and herbivore palatability of the widespread invader Spartina alterniflora in its native (US) and introduced (China) families across large geographic scales. Of 18 tested variables, ten revealed genetic-based differences between native and introduced ranges, and nine exhibited latitudinal clines within the introduced range. Introduced families compared to natives exhibited superior syndromes with larger growth, higher fecundity, and lower palatability, which were linked to provenance climates and could enhance plant competitiveness and spread. We conclude that within only 40 years since its introduction to China, Spartina has evolved an integrated ecological strategy to enhance invasiveness under climate selective pressure, making it the most successful invader along China’s coast. Our study underscores the importance of considering multivariate traits to understand plant invasion success.
15 May 2024Submitted to Ecology Letters
27 May 2024Submission Checks Completed
27 May 2024Assigned to Editor
27 May 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
30 Jun 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending