Ecology of Leaf Longevity

About this book

Leaf longevity is a fundamental process underlying patterns of variation in foliar phenology and determining the distinction between deciduous and evergreen plant species. Variation in leaf longevity is associated with a wide array of differences in the physiology, anatomy, morphology and ecology of plants.

Ecology of Leaf Longevity brings together for the first time information scattered widely in the botanical literature to provide a clear and comprehensive introduction to the nature and significance of variation in leaf longevity. It traces the development of ideas about leaf longevity from the earliest descriptive studies to contemporary theory of leaf longevity as a key element in the function of leaves as photosynthetic organs.

Contents

Chapter 1 Foliar Habit and Leaf Longevity
Chapter 2 Leaves: Evolution, ontogeny and death
Chapter 3 Quantifying Leaf Longevity
Chapter 4 Theories of Leaf Longevity
Chapter 5 Phylogenetic Variation in Leaf Longevity
Chapter 6 Key Elements of Foliar Function
Chapter 7 Endogenous Influences on Leaf Longevity
Chapter 8 Exogenous Influences on Leaf Longevity
Chapter 9 Biogeography of Leaf Longevity and Foliar habit
Chapter 10 Ecosystem perspectives on leaf longevity

References
Index

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