Historic exposure to herbivores, not constitutive traits, explains plant tolerance to herbivory in the case of two Medicago species (Fabaceae)

Mechanisms that allow plants to survive and reproduce after herbivory are considered play a key role in plant evolution. In this study, we evaluated how tolerance varies species with different historic exposure herbivores considering ontogeny. We exposed the range-restricted Medicago citrina its closely related widespread M. arborea one two simulations (80 % aerial biomass loss). Physiological growth parameters capacity were assessed evaluate constitutive values (without herbivory) induced damage. Constitutive traits not always greater tolerance, each compensated for through traits. Herbivory damage only led mortality citrina; adults exhibited root loss increased oxidative stress damage, but also biomass. Despite seedlings showed lower death percentage than citrina, they less recover control adults. Moderate low is found. Thus, although characteristics maintained lineage, of decreases citrina. That represents respond lack pressure from their habitat.