Testing implicit assumptions regarding the age vs. size dependence of stem biomechanics using Pittocaulon (∼Senecio) praecox (Asteraceae)

Strong covariation between organismal traits is often taken as an indication of a potentially adaptively significant relationship. Because one of the main functions of woody stems is mechanical support, identifying the factors that covary with biomechanics is essential for inference of adaptation. To date in such studies, stem biomechanics is plotted against stem age or size, thus with implicit assumptions regarding the importance of each in determining mechanics. Likewise, comparing ontogenies between individuals is central to the study of ontogenetic evolution (e.g., heterochrony). Both absolute age and size have been used, but the rationale for choosing one over the other has not been examined. Sampling a plant of simple architecture across microsites with differing sizes for the same absolute age, we compared regressions of stem length, mechanics, and tissue areas against age and size. Stem length was predicted by diameter but not by age, and stem biomechanics and tissue areas were better explained by stem length rather than age. We show that the allometric and mechanical properties observed across microsites are uniform despite great plasticity in other features (e.g., size and wood anatomy) and suggest that this uniformity is an example of developmental homeostasis. Finally, we discuss reasons for preferring size over absolute age as a basis for comparing ontogenies between individuals.