The Tree Habit in Land Plants : A Functional Comparison of Trunk Constructions with a Brief Introduction into the Biomechanics of Trees

Volker Mosbrugger

ISBN 10: 354052374X / ISBN 13: 9783540523741

Published by Springer, Springer Vieweg, 1990

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - The present study will help answer questions of tree type evolution, function, optimum, and tree construction types, using the approach of constructional morphology which to date has been widely neglected in palaeobotany and botany. First, the evolution pattern of the earliest Devonian trees is analyzed and explained, including a brief introduction of tree biomechanics. Then fossil and recent trees are studied from the viewpoint of constructional morphology with the main emphasis on the trunk as the most characteristic element of a tree. The various trunk constructions are classified into functional construction types, which are described and analyzed with respect to their biomechanical and biological properties. This functional comparison shows that the basic trunk constructions all appear in the Devonian, have specific advantages and disadvantages and constrain the possible growth habit of a tree. This study based on modern and fossil trees not only leads to a description but also to a causal understanding of the evolution and biology of the various tree types.

Seller Inventory # 9783540523741

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Tree Habit in Land Plants : A Functional Comparison of Trunk Constructions with a Brief Introduction into the Biomechanics of Trees
• Publisher: Springer, Springer Vieweg
• Publication Date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 354052374X
• ISBN 13: 9783540523741
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 244W x 170H x 10D millimeters 244 millimeters width by 170 millimeters height by 10 millimeters depth
• Weight: 309 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The present study will help answer questions of tree type evolution, function, optimum, and tree construction types, using the approach of constructional morphology which to date has been widely neglected in palaeobotany and botany. First, the evolution pattern of the earliest Devonian trees is analyzed and explained, including a brief introduction of tree biomechanics. Then fossil and recent trees are studied from the viewpoint of constructional morphology with the main emphasis on the trunk as the most characteristic element of a tree. The various trunk constructions are classified into functional construction types, which are described and analyzed with respect to their biomechanical and biological properties. This functional comparison shows that the basic trunk constructions all appear in the Devonian, have specific advantages and disadvantages and constrain the possible growth habit of a tree. This study based on modern and fossil trees not only leads to a description but also to a causal understanding of the evolution and biology of the various tree types.