Conifer species adapt to low-rainfall climates by following one of two divergent pathways
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- Timothy J. Brodribb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; and
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- Scott A.M. McAdam
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; and
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- Gregory J. Jordan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; and
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- Samuel C.V. Martins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; and
説明
<jats:title>Significance</jats:title> <jats:p>A major determinant of plant species distribution on Earth is a specific tolerance to soil drying, yet there are currently no functional or anatomical characteristics that can predict species’ requirement for rainfall. This study examines the systems responsible for controlling water delivery and water loss in the leaves of conifers and finds functional evidence of how conifers have evolved in drying climates over the course of the last 150 million years. Two “strategies” for conserving water during water stress emerged. One group relied on the plant hormone abscisic acid to maintain stomata closed during sustained drought, and another, more derived group allowed leaves to dehydrate and resisted damage by producing a water transport system capable of functioning under the extreme tension that develops in water-stressed plants.</jats:p>
収録刊行物
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- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 111 (40), 14489-14493, 2014-09-22
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences