Environmental variation in sex ratios and sexual dimorphism in three wind‐pollinated dioecious plant species

Variation in plant sex ratios is often attributable to sex-specific mortality heterogeneous environments that differentially limit male and female reproduction. Yet sexual dimorphism plastic responses environmental heterogeneity are common may co-vary with variation ratios. Here, we show the ratio degree of for a number traits varied along climatic elevation gradients three wind-pollinated dioecious species, Rumex lunaria, Urtica dioica Salix helvetica. Some observed consistent greater sensitivity females water scarcity, but most rather point males ecological stress, larger reproductive effort, as has been commonly reported plants. In contrast, found no evidence either or expected under selection. Interestingly, both distinct same axes variation, suggesting evolution measured was not sufficient prevent mortality.