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Wind loads and competition for light sculpt trees into self-similar structures
- Source :
- Nature Communications, Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 2017, 8 (1), ⟨10.1038/s41467-017-00995-6⟩, Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 2017, 8 (1), 12 p. ⟨10.1038/s41467-017-00995-6⟩, Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group, 2017, 8 (1), 〈10.1038/s41467-017-00995-6〉, Nature Communications, 2017, 8 (1), 12 p. ⟨10.1038/s41467-017-00995-6⟩, Nature Communications (8), 12 p.. (2017), Nature Communications, Vol 8, Iss 1, Pp 1-12 (2017)
- Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Trees are self-similar structures: their branch lengths and diameters vary allometrically within the tree architecture, with longer and thicker branches near the ground. These tree allometries are often attributed to optimisation of hydraulic sap transport and safety against elastic buckling. Here, we show that these allometries also emerge from a model that includes competition for light, wind biomechanics and no hydraulics. We have developed MECHATREE, a numerical model of trees growing and evolving on a virtual island. With this model, we identify the fittest growth strategy when trees compete for light and allocate their photosynthates to grow seeds, create new branches or reinforce existing ones in response to wind-induced loads. Strikingly, we find that selected trees species are self-similar and follow allometric scalings similar to those observed on dicots and conifers. This result suggests that resistance to wind and competition for light play an essential role in determining tree allometries.<br />Tree branches follow allometric scalings between length, thickness and dry mass. Here, Eloy and colleagues develop a functional-structural model that shows how such allometries in tree architecture can emerge through evolution as a result of competition for light, wind biomechanics, and wind sensing.
- Subjects :
- taux d'assimilation nette
plant architecture
Light
Science
growth
hauteur
Wind
shape
size
Models, Biological
Article
Trees
forest
Magnoliopsida
forêt
evolution
[PHYS.MECA.MEFL]Physics [physics]/Mechanics [physics]/Fluid mechanics [physics.class-ph]
lcsh:Science
comportement mécanique
Ecosystem
arbre
Vegetal Biology
[PHYS.MECA.MEFL]Physics [physics]/Mechanics [physics]/Mechanics of the fluids [physics.class-ph]
[ PHYS.MECA.MEFL ] Physics [physics]/Mechanics [physics]/Mechanics of the fluids [physics.class-ph]
architecture des plantes
modèle d'équilibre général
croissance
net assimilation rate
general-model
Biomechanical Phenomena
Tracheophyta
mechanical design
height
vent
lcsh:Q
Biologie végétale
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 20411723
- Volume :
- 8
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Nature communications
- Accession number :
- edsair.pmid.dedup....75b60cef77cfb3f3b8c3e4bfce00ab57