植物构型是其植株建造构件在空间上的配置模式和形态体现，是群落层片配置的基本单位，其特征一般取决于植物的光资源获取和水分输导特征。但是，目前对此生态过程的理解往往基于推理性的科学假设，缺乏定量的生理学证据。本课题选择浙江天童100×100m大小的成熟常绿阔叶林样地，根据植物构型与其光线利用和水分传导功能间的生理生态关系，在调查群落结构、光照和水分特征的基础上，通过测量常见植物的冠层形态、枝条伸展方向和疏密度、枝叶的空间搭配方式、导管直径与比叶面积等构型特征，以及光合和蒸腾速率、气孔导度、水分传导速率和导水率等表征植物光资源获取和水分输导过程的生理学参数，从植物功能和群落代谢角度，揭示光照和水分驱动下常绿阔叶林植物构型和群落层片配置关系的生理学机制。本研究旨在深化植物几何构型与功能关系理论，完善植物群落的层片配置机制，也为全面理解植物的光照和水分利用策略，乃至指导该地区的营林建设提供理论依据。

Plant architecture, as a basic unit for shaping community structure and synusium, refers to the overall shape of a tree and the spatial position of its components. The characteristics of plant architecture are the important determinant of its light capture and hydraulic conduction. However, our understanding of this ecological process derives largely from the predictive hypothesis, and the underlying physiological mechanisms are still unknown. Based on the ecological and physiological linkages between plant architecture and each of light capture and water conduction, characteristics of plant architecture and physiology will be determined in a 100×100 m plot in the evergreen broad-leaved forest in Tiantong, Zhejiang province, following investigation of community structure, light and water availabilities. Plant architecture includes canopy size and shape, stretch direction and intensity of branches, spatial patterns between twigs and leaves, vessel diameter, and specific leaf area. Physiological characteristics, associated to both light interception and hydraulic transportation, are mainly of photosynthesis and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, and hydraulic conductivity. Using methods of metabolic scaling in ecology, we will explore physiological mechanisms that are driven by both light and water factors, for the relationship between plant architecture and community synusium. The aim of this project attempts to advance the knowledge for relationship between plant architecture and its function, and the mechanisms structuring community synusium, and to improve our understanding of plant water and light use strategies, as well as to provide application basis to guide afforestation in the studied region.