Physiological Mechanism of the Formation in Phylogenesis of the Life Forms of Herbaceous Plants and their Coenoses in Connection with Changes in Water Supply (a Quantitative Approach)
N. A. Zhuravleva
Keywords: herbaceous coenoses, model of phylogenetic development, water supply, sprout forms
Pages: 317-326
Abstract
A model of phylogenetic development of the vital forms of herbaceous plants is proposed on the basis of multiaspect studies of physiological and morphological indices of the complete species compositions of two herbaceous coenoses (meadow and steppe). It is stated and justified that the physiological mechanism of their development, as water supply of the environment changes, consists in optimization of water deficit and production capacities of the leaf, respective emergence of the most economical species-related sprout forms (non-rosette, semi-rosette and rosette) and finally in the establishment of a definite proportion between these forms within the composition of this or that herbaceous coenosis.
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