Biology Department, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN 55105.
Fluctuating asymmetry is a measurement of non-directional deviation from bilateral symmetry.
Leaf samples were collected from the same area during one summer season. No difference in asymmetry exists among genets for floral traits, but asymmetry of vegetative traits differs significantly among genets. The degree of fluctuating asymmetry in vegetative traits displays strong positive spatial autocorrelation. This suggests that the potential for phenotypic plasticity differs greatly between floral and vegetative traits. Quantitative genetic studies are underway in order to determine the relative importance of environmental and genetic contributions to the genotypic differences.