RESOURCE-ALLOCATION AT THE INDIVIDUAL PLANT-LEVEL

Although resource allocation studies are well represented in terrestrial plant ecological literature, such studies have been tangential, at best, for submersed aquatic macrophytes. Utilizing data from published studies, trends in the allocation of resources are examined for sexual and asexual propagation of both annual and perennial macrophytes, seasonal patterns in allocation and storage, specialization of structures for storing carbohydrates, and tissue nutrient allocation. The effect of environmental conditions on allocation patterns, leaf shape, and growth form are also discussed. Finally, a cost/benefit model of leaf construction and maintenance costs vs. lifetime yield is presented as an explanation of high leaf turnover rates in productive species.