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An Ecologial Significance of Seasonal Leaf Variability in a Desert Shrub
Author(s) -
Cunningham G. L.,
Strain B. R.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1933890
Subject(s) - shrub , deserts and xeric shrublands , perennial plant , ecology , seasonality , desert (philosophy) , environmental science , biology , atmospheric sciences , botany , agronomy , habitat , philosophy , epistemology , geology
Encelia farinosa is one of a number of species of desert perennial shrubs in which individuals exhibit considerable seasonal variation in the amount and structure of leaf tissue. The function of seasonal leaf variability in adapting this species to the desert environment was investigated. Field observations demonstrated that leaf quantity and structure are controlled by the moisture status of the environment. The field observations also established the influence which leaf quantity and structure have on the CO 2 exchange capacity and water status of the shrub. These observations were corroborated by laboratory experiments. The laboratory investigations also indicated that the influences of leaf structure are brought about by alterations in the resistances to CO 2 and water vapor diffusion.