Abstract: ntraspecific variation can be defined as any genetic or phenotypic differences among individuals of the same species.Traditionally,community ecologists pay more attentions on interspecific variation than intraspecific variation,i.e.the species are often thought as groups of homogeneous individuals.However,recent progresses suggest that there are large amounts of intraspecific variation in ecologically important traits,which can have comparable effects with interspecific variation.Thus,the interaction between ecological and evolutionary processes can result in complex eco-evolutionary dynamics.Specifically,intraspecific variation might play an important role in ecological processes of community,including interspecific competition,species coexistence,species invasion,community assembly,and ecosystem function.Here,we provide a literature review focusing on the ecological consequences of plant intraspecific variation.We first give a brief introduction of intraspecific variation.We then summarize the experimental evidences for the ecological consequences of intraspecific variation across different levels above species,and introduce what should we do in our research about intraspecific variation.Several important questions on the methodology of intraspecific variation research are discussed.Finally,a few suggestions are raised for future research of intraspecific variation.