GEOMETRY OF TREES

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GEOMETRY OF TREES
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Theory of Adaptive Geometry
The geometric form of a tree and its parts
conveys an advantage for growing in the sun or
shade.
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Theory of Adaptive Geometry
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Assumptions
Amount of light interceped is proportional to
leaf size
Length of shadow is proportional to leaf size
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Multilayers more photosynthesis in full sunlight
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1.0 layer at light saturation
2.0 layers at light saturation
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Multilayers less water stress in full sunlight
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All leaves at full water stress
Most leaves at less than full water stress
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Monolayers more photosynthesis in 25 full
sunlight
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1.5 layers WELL below light saturation
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Deliquescent tree forms
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Excurrent tree forms
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Monolayer leaf forms/displays
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Multilayer leaf forms/displays
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Real Forests 2500 ft west Cascades
Pseudotsuga menziesiiTsuga heterophylla
Abies amabilis
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CAUTION STRONG GxE INTERACTIONS
tree geometry is strongly affected by the
environment (phenotypic plasticity)