Matthes-Sears, U/ Nash, TH", III 1986: The ecology of Ramalina menziesii. V. Estimation of gross carbon gain and thallus hydration source from diurnal measurements and climatic data. - Canadian Journal of Botany64: 1698-1702. [RLL List # 128-71 / Rec.# 12444] Keywords: POPULATIONS/ ECOLOGY/ RAMALINA/ WATER RELATIONS/ CARBON GAIN/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS/ CALIFORNIA
Abstract: 3 tables. 2 figures. [Experiments support the new hypothesis that the reticulations in growth form of Ramalina menziesii are not adaptations for more effiecient water absorption. "Water vapor uptake accounts for only an estimated 11% of gross annual carbon gain, but is likely to contribute greatly to respiratory losses during the night. Hence, it is very unlikely that so elaborate an adaptation would develop for such a questionable benefit."]