Scaling of tree vascular transport systems along gradients of nutrient supply and altitude.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Coomes DA
PROVIDER: S-EPMC2373803 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Scaling of tree vascular transport systems along gradients of nutrient supply and altitude.
Coomes David A DA Jenkins Kerry L KL Cole Lydia E S LE
Biology letters 20070201 1
A recent metabolic scaling theory predicts that plants minimize resistance to hydraulic conduction in the bulk transport network by narrowing the diameter of xylem conduits distally. We hypothesized that trees growing at high altitude or on nutrient-depleted soils would prioritize survival over minimizing hydraulic resistance, and that their vascular systems would be structured differently from those of trees growing under more benign conditions. In fact, conduits were observed to narrow towards ...[more]
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