ISSN:
1615-6110
Keywords:
Vascular plants
;
Metallophytes
;
tolerance to cadmium
;
copper
;
lead and zinc
;
evolutionary processes
;
selection
;
constitutional tolerance
;
induction
;
phenotypic responses
;
Flora of the British Isles
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract Mine spoils and other soils contaminated with cadmium, copper, lead and zinc show natural colonization by species which have strategies of avoidance or tolerance of metal toxicities. The distribution of plants on such substrata in the British Isles is examined in the light of present knowledge of such strategies. Evolutionary processes mediating the selection of tolerant individuals and ecotypic differentiation of adapted populations on metalliferous soils are considered. Other factors determining which species can and which cannot evolve tolerance include constitutional differences in species sensitivity to toxic metals, and phenotypic (environmentally-induced) tolerances. The importance of constitutional properties and phenotypic responses in providing explanations for plant distribution on metalliferous soils is assessed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00937765
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