Document Detail


Exploring ecological significance of tree crown plasticity through three-dimensional modelling.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  17720977     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Morphogenetic plasticity may be as important as physiological plasticity in determining plant adaptability to changing environmental conditions. This study examines the importance of crown plasticity of trees in stands. METHODS: A three-dimensional forest simulator is used to explore the impact of crown shape plasticity on tree growth. Crown deformation is mediated through the local response to light and overall allometric constraints governing tree dimensions. By altering shape response parameters of Hevea brasiliensis the impact of increased or decreased plasticity is explored in a variety of competitive environments defined by various combinations of tree density and relative frequency of different strategies. The possible interactions between plasticity and growth rate and plasticity and below-ground competition are also explored. KEY RESULTS: Crown plasticity confers competitive superiority in all cases studied. Interactions with other processes may downplay or enhance this competitive advantage. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation results strongly suggest that crown plasticity does have a significant impact on tree performance in nature and that commonly observed crown shape deformation response of trees is of adaptive value.
Authors:
G Vincent; D Harja
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2007-08-25
Journal Detail:
Title:  Annals of botany     Volume:  101     ISSN:  1095-8290     ISO Abbreviation:  Ann. Bot.     Publication Date:  2008 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-05-01     Completed Date:  2008-08-01     Revised Date:  2010-09-14    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0372347     Medline TA:  Ann Bot     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1221-31     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité Mixte de Recherche AMAP, Campus Agronomique - BP 701 (CIRAD), 97387 Kourou cedex, French Guyana. gregoire.vincent@ird.fr
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Computer Simulation
Ecology
Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
Light
Models, Theoretical*
Morphogenesis / radiation effects
Plants / anatomy & histology,  growth & development*
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