A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PLANT FORM-THE PIPE MODEL THEORY : II. FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE THEORY AND ITS APPLICATION IN FOREST ECOLOGY

概要

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To test the applicability of the pipe model theory to actual tree form, the frequency distribution of the thickness of woody organs in a tree was examined in 10 different species. The frequency f(D) of a certain diameter class D proved to have a definite pattern of distribution in the root, branch and trunk respectively, with only a little difference between the species. The obtained f(D)〜D curves showed that a root system could well be approximated by the assemblage of many pipes of unit thickness, a trunk by a few cones piled up one upon another, and a branch system by a geometric model intermediate between the two. The results were well consistent with the pipe model theory of tree form. As an application of the theory in forest ecology, a new method for estimating the amounts of leaves or branches of trees and stands was also proposed, based on the direct proportionality found between those amounts and the cross-sectional area of the trunk at the height just below the lowest living branch.
日本生態学会の論文
1964-08-01