Inferring climate from angiosperm leaf venation networks

Benjamin Blonder, Brian J. Enquist

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

Leaf venation networks provide an integrative linkage between plant form, function and climate niche, because leaf water transport underlies variation in plant performance. Here, we develop theory based on leaf physiology that uses community-mean vein density to predict growing season temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The key assumption is that leaf water supply is matched to water demand in the local environment. We test model predictions using leaves from 17 temperate and tropical sites that span broad climatic gradients. We find quantitative agreement between predicted and observed climate values. We also highlight additional leaf traits that may improve predictions. Our study provides a novel approach for understanding the functional linkages between functional traits and climate that may improve the reconstruction of paleoclimate from fossil assemblages.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)116-126
Number of pages11
JournalNew Phytologist
Volume204
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2014

Keywords

  • Functional trait
  • Leaf hydraulics
  • Leaf venation network
  • Paleoclimate reconstruction
  • Vein density

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physiology
  • Plant Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inferring climate from angiosperm leaf venation networks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this