Functional traits of Giant Sequoia crown leaves respond to environmental threats
Thursday, June 16, 2016 - 12:01
in Earth & Climate
As many as 2 billion leaves on a sequoia vie for resources. Established leaves that live for up to 20 years draw water up the tree's trunk and send nutrients down, while the trunk amasses wood and survives for thousands of years. The giant sequoia's size is possible in part because its leaves are responsive to environmental changes. Under changing conditions, will giant sequoia groves and other old-growth conifer forests be at heightened risk of degradation?