title: Density-dependent germination response by seeds of desert annuals.
abstract: Field observations and experiments indicate that the presence of seedlings at high densities inhibits subsequent germination of desert annuals. Since plants growing at high densities face severe competition for limited resources, this response by seeds is interpreted as an adaptation to avoid an unfavorable competitive climate where growth and survivorship are likely to be low.
authors.affiliation: Department Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 85721, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
authors.forename: Richard S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Inouye