Cline of heavy-metal
tolerance in Agrostis
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Most plants are unable to grow on heavy-metal
contaminated soils ("tailings") on the margins of abandoned copper
mines. Cu++-tolerant forms of the grass Agrostis tenuis
have been selected to grow on these soils [adult plants at 20~40m], but
are poorly adapted to non-contaminated soil [adult plants at 0].
Wind-borne pollen is carried downwind , such that the seedling
population at 60 ~ 100m downwind are more tolerant than the adult
plants.
Figure © Futuyma (1997) after Macnair (1981); Text material
© 2005 by Steven M. Carr
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