Why trees and shrubs but rarely trubs?

M. Scheffer, R.O.H. Vergnon, J.H.C. Cornelissen, S. Hantson, M. Holmgren, E.H. van Nes, C. Xu

Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › Academic › peer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An analysis of the maximum height of woody plant species across the globe reveals that an intermediate size is remarkably rare. We speculate that this may be due to intrinsic suboptimality or to ecosystem bistability with open landscapes favouring shrubs, and closed canopies propelling trees to excessive tallness.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)433-434
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume29
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Keywords

  • savanna
  • forest
  • transitions
  • height

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