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Tree Structure

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Models of Tree and Stand Dynamics

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Abstract

Interactions between structure, function and survival under natural selection provide a plausible explanation for the remarkable regularity observed in tree structures, regardless of the apparent wide variability of form between species and individuals. The regularity has been described and modelled in a number of ways, ranging from simple empirical observation to complicated mathematical evolutionary optimisation models. In this chapter, we introduce some of the key ideas about structural regularity that have been helpful in modelling the allocation of growth to different tree components in material balance models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland

    Annikki Mäkelä

  2. USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Durham, NH, USA

    Harry T. Valentine

Authors
  1. Annikki Mäkelä
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  2. Harry T. Valentine
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Mäkelä, A., Valentine, H.T. (2020). Tree Structure. In: Models of Tree and Stand Dynamics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-35761-0_4

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