CHANGES IN LEAF MORPHOLOGY, PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND NITROGEN CONTENT IN TWO COASTAL SHRUBS

It is important to understand mechanisms that facilitate expansion of two common shrubs, Morella cerifera and Baccharis halimifolia in coastal environments. The purpose of my study was to investigate the physiological and structural changes that occur as leaves age. Photosynthesis, incident light, chlorophyll, and leaf C:N ratios were quantified for young, intermediate, and old leaves (distal, central and proximal leaves, respectively). Leaf structural differences were also compared. Leaves did not change morphologically with age. Light decreased with leaf age and during winter months. Photosynthesis showed no seasonal or age related patterns. Chlorophyll increased initially and then declined with age due to self shading. Nitrogen content was highest during spring. Seasonality and leaf age had unique effects on the two study species. Understanding senescence adaptations of these two shrubs can help explain their abundance in coastal ecosystems.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Kost, Elizabeth

Contributors dc:contributor

• Donald Young

• Ecology
• Shrub
• Morella cerifera
• Baccharis halimifolia
• Photosynthesis
• coastal ecosystems
• coastal
• barrier island
• senescence
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/240

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1239