Lessons from the study of plant mating systems for exploring the causes and consequences of inbreeding in marine invertebrates

Abstract Many benthic marine invertebrates resemble plants in being modular and either sessile or sedentary, by relying on an external vector to disperse their gametes. These shared features, along with recent evidence of inbreeding these taxa, suggest that theory practice bearing the evolutionary costs benefits for could advance our understanding ecology evolution invertebrate animals. We describe how outbreeding apply invertebrates, identify compare techniques used quantify animals, translate relevant botanical concepts empirical patterns zoological equivalents, articulate predictions might be associated major axes variation sedentary invertebrates. The provides critical insight into life-history holds similar promise as a complementary perspective reproductive traits, lifespan, ecological strategies, dispersal Extending what we have learned from promises broaden general study mating systems.