Intraspecific Variation In Spore-Size Of Homosporous Ferns And Its Implications On Fern Mating Systems

摘要

In the homosporous ferns, sex determination id delayed until spore germination. Published data reveal a wide variety of adaptations that help avoid intragametophytic selfing, Despite the potential bisexuality or hermaphroditism of their gametophytes. The major develop- Mental adaptation appears to be asynchronous germination of spores, originationg even from a Single sporophyte. Several studies have entertained the possibility of differential capacities of Fern spores as a causative factor, suspecting some kind of a "genetic" basis for such inequality.