Evaluating grazing response strategies in winter annuals: A multi‐trait approach

Abstract Plants minimize fitness losses through grazing by three fundamental strategies: tolerance, avoidance and escape. Annual species have been traditionally assumed to escape their short life cycle seed dormancy; however, response strategies remain almost unexplored. How traits coordination affect species' responses, whether the generalized model, which posits convergent filtering drought, is applicable this ecologically economically important group thus unclear. We used a trait‐based approach evaluate of winter annuals from Middle East. Across 23 species, we examined 16 hypothesized be relevant for linked them fecundity as proxy simulated in controlled conditions, abundance responses field distribution along large‐scale rainfall gradient. Winter exhibited both lesser extent tolerance indicated (a) independent traits, (b) maintenance higher with more pronounced or under grazing. In natural habitat, but not strategy maintained dry habitats, indicating favouring drought. However, finding at local scale was mirrored shift Synthesis . The drought consistent model. This has developed perennials based on strategy, can extended escape, that should facilitate projecting consequences global change drylands dominated annuals.