On the Adaptive Significance of Leaf Form

Abstract

although it is clear that leaves are central to a plant’s adaptation for growth and competitive survival, the actual nature of the contribution of leaf form to plant adaptation is complex. For example, the size and shape of leaves can affect the rates at which leaves exchange heat, take up carbon dioxide, and lose water vapor. Leaf size and shape can also affect the efficiency with which the total photosynthetic surface can be arranged, supported, and supplied. Adaptations in leaf form thus touch on several aspects of plant form and function, with implications for thermoregulation (Gates et al., 1968), efficiency of water use (Parkhurst and Loucks, 1972), photosynthetic potential (Cunningham and Strain, 1969), branching and rooting strategies (Givnish and Vermeij, 1976), productivity (Tsunoda, 1972), and, presumably, competitive ability.