Research methods in ecologyClements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Science
Research methods in ecology
Clements, Frederic E. (Frederic Edward)
Plant ecology; Plant ecology -- Methodology
the actual stimulus by virtue of the sum of preponderant intensities.
The periodicity of daylight is a stimulus to the guard cells of stomata,
but its relation to intensity in this connection is not clear.
The amount of change in light intensity necessary to constitute an
efficient stimulus seems to depend upon the existing intensity as well
as upon the plant concerned. Apparently, a certain relative decrease is
more efficient for sun plants than for shade plants. At least, many
species sooner or later reach a point where a difference larger than
that which has been efficient no longer produces a structural response.
This has been observed by E. S. Clements (_l. c._) in a number of shade
ecads. For example, a form of _Galium boreale_, which grew with
difficulty in a light value of .002, showed essentially the leaf
structure of the form growing in light of .03, while the form in full
sunlight showed a striking difference in the leaf structure. In
considering the light stimuli of habitats, it is unnecessary to discuss
the stimulus of total darkness upon chlorophyllous plants, although this
is of great importance in experimental evolution and in control
experiment. The normal extremes of light intensity, i. e., those within
which chlorenchym can function, are full sunshine represented by 1, and
a diffuseness of .002, though small flowering plants have once or twice
been found in an intensity of .001. The maximum light value, even on
high mountains, never exceeds 1 by more than an inconsiderable amount,
except for the temporary concentration due to drops of dew, rain, etc.
It seems improbable that the concentrating effect of epidermal papillae
can do much more than compensate for the reflection and absorption of
the epidermis. Experimental study has shown that the maximum intensity
in nature may be increased several, if not many times, without injurious
results and without an appreciable increase in the photosynthetic
response, thus indicating that the efficient difference increases toward
the maximum as well as toward the minimum.
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