Coexistence of Deciduous and Evergreen Oak Species in Mediterranean Environments: Costs Associated with the Leaf and Root Traits of Both Habits
Coexistence of Deciduous and Evergreen Oak Species in Mediterranean Environments: Costs Associated with the Leaf and Root Traits of Both Habits
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DOI：
10.1007/978-3-319-69099-5_6
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发表时间：
2017-01-01
期刊：
影响因子：
--
通讯作者：
Merino, Jose
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Escudero, Alfonso;Mediavilla, Sonia;Merino, Jose
The geographic distribution of deciduous versus evergreen woody species has been intensively investigated, but the ecological significance of both leaf habits is still far from being fully understood. The purpose of this chapter is to review the factors that are related with the carbon gain of deciduous and evergreen oak species under Mediterranean environmental conditions. We will focus on the morphological, anatomical and chemical adaptations of evergreens necessary to guarantee leaf survival during the unfavorable part of the year. We will review the information available about the construction and maintenance costs associated with the leaf traits of deciduous and evergreen oak species. Moreover, we will compare these traits with those of non-Mediterranean oaks and species belonging to other families. One central leaf trait is the leaf mass per area (LMA), which depends on the leaf anatomy and chemical composition. Differences in LMA are related to photosynthesis and the costs of construction and maintenance. We will assess the differences in these traits between deciduous and evergreen oaks, the aim being to understand the coexistence of both leaf habits in certain environments.
