The Bifurcation Ratio as an Indicator of Adaptive Strategy in Woody Plant Species

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Abstract
Horton''s concept of the bifurcation ratio of stream channel networks was applied to the branching systems of 16 north temperate woody plant species [Fraxinus americana, Populus pennsylvanica, Liriodendron tulipifera, Betula populifera, B. alleghaniensis, Quercus velutina, Acer rubrum, A. saccharum, Fagus grandifolia, Cornus florida, Rhus typhina, Kalmia latifolia, Rhododendron maximum, Tsuga canadensis, Pinus strobus]. An analysis of the bifurcation ratio by life form and shade tolerance suggests that leaf arrangement, leaf and branch evergreenness or deciduousness and needle size are the most important determinants of the ratio. Optimal branching strategies are examined with respect to Horn''s formulation of the adaptive geometry of trees. A statistical analysis of shade and open grown white ash (F. americana) saplings, indicates that the bifurcation ratio approaches a species specific constant and is relatively independent of external influences.

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