Assessment of phenotypic plasticity of drynaria quercifolia (L.) J.Sm in urban and natural environments based on functional leaf traits

Date of Publication

12-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo

Defense Panel Chair

Mark Angelo O. Balendres

Defense Panel Member

John Paul S. Domingo
Marixel C. Evardone

Abstract (English)

Phenotypic plasticity is a strategy which allows the plants to respond to diverse habitats. Among these plants that may exhibit phenotypic plasticity are epiphytes such as Drynaria quercifolia.

The present study investigated the phenotypic plasticity of D. quercifolia based on functional leaf traits in urban (Metro Manila) and natural (Mount Makiling) environments. The study described and compared the vegetative leaf traits namely moisture content, stipe length, lamina length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf thickness, cuticle thickness, specific leaf area, stomatal density and physiological leaf traits such as δ13C and δ15N in the study sites. The variations of temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity were also measured and analyzed to determine if these had significant effects on the leaf traits. Lastly, degree of phenotypic plasticity of the leaf traits was analyzed to understand how individual traits can change in response to extreme conditions.

The results showed that D. quercifolia exhibited significant differences in stipe length, cuticle thickness, specific leaf area, and δ13C as a response to relative humidity and light intensity in urban and natural settings. Likewise, relative humidity and light intensity were significantly correlated to these vegetative leaf traits.

These vegetative and physiological leaf traits are therefore considered as functional leaf traits that respond to environmental conditions in urban and natural environments. Among the functional leaf traits, stipe length and specific leaf area exhibited high plasticity. These leaf traits allow D. quercifolia to thrive in urban and natural environments.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

n/a

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Leaves—Physiology; Plant ecology

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Embargo Period

12-13-2024

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