Large-seeded species are less dependent on light for germination than small-seeded ones

Germination in light and darkness was compared after cold stratification of seeds of 54 species known or suspected to accumulate persistent seed banks. Germination became less dependent on light with increasing seed mass. This pattern was clear in a direct correlation of individual species data (P < 0.0001) as well as when considering phylogenetically independent contrasts (P < 0.001). The latter analysis suggests that light response and seed mass coevolved.