Large-seeded species are less dependent on light for germination than small-seeded ones

Germination in light and darkness was compared after cold stratification of seeds of 54 species known or suspected to accumulate persistent seed banks . Germination became less dependent on light with increasing seed mass. Thi s pattern was clear in a direct correlation of individual species data (P < 0.0001) as well as when considering phylogenetically independent contrasts (P < 0.001). The latter analysis suggests that light response and seed mas s coevolved.