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Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae)

Publication ,  Journal Article
Terborgh, J; Davenfort, L
Published in: Journal of Tropical Ecology
January 1, 2001

Like many other palms, Iriartea deltoidea undergoes ontogenetic transitions in leaf morphology. It has been asked whether the transition to adult leaf form in Iriartea was a fixed developmental pattern or a more plastic response to changes in environmental conditions, but studies so far have not resolved the question. We re-examined the question by taking measurements on palms growing under the full range of conditions experienced in the natural environment. Using trunk height as a surrogate variable for ontogenetic stage, we found that individual palms undergo the transition to adult morphology over a wide range of heights from < 10 m to > 20 m. Palms growing in gaps undergo the transition early, whereas those growing under a closed canopy undergo the transition late. Noting this, we asked whether the transition occurred in individuals that were growing faster than a critical minimum rate, and found no correlation between growth and morphological stage. A post-hoc hypothesis, that structural support of the crown (measured as trunk diameter) could limit or delay the transition, was confirmed. Our results indicate that multiple conditions must be satisfied before the transition can be completed. The complex requirements for leaf morphogenesis in Iriartea confer an ability to respond flexibly to spatially and temporally varying environmental conditions.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Journal of Tropical Ecology

DOI

ISSN

0266-4674

Publication Date

January 1, 2001

Volume

17

Issue

5

Start / End Page

695 / 703

Related Subject Headings

  • Ecology
  • 3103 Ecology
  • 1601 Anthropology
  • 0602 Ecology
 

Citation

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Terborgh, J., & Davenfort, L. (2001). Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae). Journal of Tropical Ecology, 17(5), 695–703. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266467401001511
Terborgh, J., and L. Davenfort. “Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae).” Journal of Tropical Ecology 17, no. 5 (January 1, 2001): 695–703. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0266467401001511.
Terborgh J, Davenfort L. Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae). Journal of Tropical Ecology. 2001 Jan 1;17(5):695–703.
Terborgh, J., and L. Davenfort. “Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae).” Journal of Tropical Ecology, vol. 17, no. 5, Jan. 2001, pp. 695–703. Scopus, doi:10.1017/S0266467401001511.
Terborgh J, Davenfort L. Endogenous and exogenous control of leaf morphology in iriartea deltoidea (palmae). Journal of Tropical Ecology. 2001 Jan 1;17(5):695–703.
Journal cover image

Published In

Journal of Tropical Ecology

DOI

ISSN

0266-4674

Publication Date

January 1, 2001

Volume

17

Issue

5

Start / End Page

695 / 703

Related Subject Headings

  • Ecology
  • 3103 Ecology
  • 1601 Anthropology
  • 0602 Ecology