Correlation between trunk and branch age in trees as a new parameter in the analysis of tree architecture |
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Authors: | M. Watanabe H. Koizumi |
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Affiliation: | (1) Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Mie University, 514 Tsu-shi, Mie, Japan;(2) Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Sakura-mura, 305 Ibaraki, Japan |
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Abstract: | A method for characterizing tree form is developed by linear regression of the age of the trunk on the average branch age at different heights. This relationship holds for a wide variety of situations, including both theoretical models and observed tree samples. The intercept of the regression, a, the ‘index of trunk distinctness’, reflects the branching pattern inherent to the species and indicates whether the trunk is erect or not. The slope, b, is termed the ‘crown thickness coefficient’, because it indicates a branching pattern. Tree forms can be classified into nine theoretical groups; three of these are physically impossible. The method was applied to real trees and a and b are shown to be useful tree form characteristics. Possible applications of the method are briefly discussed. |
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Keywords: | Branching pattern Crown thickness Tree form Tree height Trunk |
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