Perspectives of Biophysical Ecology

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xiii

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2. Introduction: Biophysical Ecology

   1. Introduction: Biophysical Ecology

      • David M. Gates

      Pages 1-28

3. Analytical Models of Plants

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 29-32

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   2. Photosynthetic Model

      • Paul W. Lommen, Sandra K. Smith, Conrad S. Yocum, David M. Gates

      Pages 33-43

   3. Mesophyll Resistances

      • Conrad S. Yocum, Paul W. Lommen

      Pages 45-54

   4. Model of Leaf Photosynthesis and Respiration

      • Anthony E. Hall, Olle Björkman

      Pages 55-72

   5. Optimal Leaf Form

      • S. Elwynn Taylor

      Pages 73-86

   6. Aspects of Predicting Gross Photosynthesis (Net Photosynthesis Plus Light and Dark Respiration) for an Energy-Metabolic Balance in the Plant

      • Randall S. Alberte, John D. Hesketh, Donald N. Baker

      Pages 87-98

4. Extreme Climate and Plant Productivity

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 99-103

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   2. Gas-Exchange Strategies in Desert Plants

      • Hyrum B. Johnson

      Pages 105-120

   3. Photosynthesis of Desert Plants As Influenced by Internal and External Factors

      • Otto L. Lange, Ernst-D. Schulze, Ludger Kappen, Uwe Buschbom, Michael Evenari

      Pages 121-143

   4. Field Measurements of Carbon Dioxide Exchange in Some Woody Perennials

      • Boyd R. Strain

      Pages 145-158

   5. Environmental Stresses and Inherent Limitations Affecting CO2 Exchange in Evergreen Sclerophylls in Mediterranean Climates

      • E. Lloyd Dunn

      Pages 159-181

5. Water Transport and Environmental Control of Diffusion

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 183-186

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   2. Regulation of Water Transport in the Soil—Plant—Atmosphere Continuum

      • Anthony E. Hall, Merril R. Kaufmann

      Pages 187-202

   3. Environmental Influence on Total Water Consumption by Whole Plants

      • James W. O’Leary

      Pages 203-212

   4. Light Intensity and Leaf Temperature As Determining Factors in Diffusion Resistance

      • John D. Tenhunen, D. M. Gates

      Pages 213-225

   5. Photosynthesis in Developing Plant Canopies

      • Ronald G. Alderfer

      Pages 227-238

   6. Energy Exchange and Plant Survival on Disturbed Lands

      • Richard Lee, William G. Hutson, Stephen C. Hill

      Pages 239-247

6. Theoretical Models of Animals

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 249-253

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A symposium on biophysical ecology was held at The University of Michigan Biological Station on Douglas Lake August 20-24, 1973. Biophysical ecology is an approach to ecology which uses fundamental principles of physics and chemistry along with mathematics as a tool to understand the interactions between organisms and their environment. It is fundamentally a mechanistic approach to ecology, and as such, it is amenable to theoretical modeling. A theoretical model applied to an organism and its interactions with its environ­ ment should include all the significant environmental factors, organism properties, and the mechanisms that connect these things together in an appropriate organism response. The purpose of a theoretical model is to use it to explain observed facts and to make predictions beyond the realm of observation which can be verified or denied by further observation. If the predictions are confirmed, the model must be reasonably complete except for second or third-order refinements. If the pre­ dictions are denied by further observation, one must go back to the basic ideas that entered the model and decide what has been overlooked or even what has been included that perhaps should not have been. Theoretical modeling must always have recourse to experiment in the laboratory and observation in the field. For plants, a theoretical model might be formulated to explain the manner and magnitude by which various environmental factors affect leaf temperature.

• Biophysik
• biophysics
• chemistry
• ecology
• environment
• lake
• temperature
• Ökologie

• Biological Station, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA

  David M. Gates

• School of Education, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA

  Rudolf B. Schmerl

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