NDLI: Biomechanical constraints on tree architecture

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Loehle, Craig
Copyright Year	2016
Abstract	Mechanical properties of wood constrain most conifers to an excurrent form and limit the width of tree crowns. Development of support tissue alters allometric relations during ontogeny. Biomechanical constraints on tree architecture are explored. Torque on a tree branch is a multiplicative function of mass and moment arm. As such, the need for support rises faster than branch length, which leads to increased taper as branch size increases. This violates assumptions of models, such as the pipe-model theory, for large trees and causes changing allometry with tree size or exposure. Thus, assumptions about optimal design for light capture, self-similarity, or optimal hydraulic architecture need to be modified to account for mechanical constraints and costs. In particular, it is argued that mechanical limitations of compression wood in conifers prevent members of this taxon from developing large branches. With decurrent form ruled out (for larger species), only a conical or excurrent form can develop. Wind is shown to be a major mortality risk for trees. Adaptations for wind include dynamic responses of wood properties and height. It is argued that an adaptation to wind could be the development of an open crown in larger trees to let the wind penetrate, thereby reducing wind-throw risk. It is thus argued that crown shape and branching may result not just from optimal light capture considerations but also from adaptation to and response to wind as well as from mechanical constraints. Results have implications for allometric theory, life history theory, and simulations of tree architecture.
Starting Page	2061
Ending Page	2070
Page Count	10
File Format	PDF
ISSN	09311890
Journal	Trees
Volume Number	30
Issue Number	6
e-ISSN	14322285
Language	English
Publisher	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Publisher Date	2016-07-08
Publisher Place	Berlin, Heidelberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Allocation Allometry Biomechanics Crown shape Evolution Mechanical support Mortality Wind Forestry Plant Sciences Agriculture Plant Anatomy/Development Plant Pathology Plant Physiology
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Ecology Physiology Plant Science Forestry

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