The relationship between stomatal size S and density D across the Phanerozoic

Range Table - link
Organism Plants
Reference Franks PJ, Beerling DJ. Maximum leaf conductance driven by CO2 effects on stomatal size and density over geologic time. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jun 23 106(25):10343-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0904209106 p.10343 figure 1PubMed ID19506250
Comments P.10343 left column 2nd paragraph: "Nevertheless, major changes in stomatal size (S) and density (D) are evident in the fossil record (refs 2, 6) (Fig. 1 Table S1), but their significance as land-plant evolution progressed, in parallel with advancements in gas-exchange capacity, is not yet understood." P.10343 right column 2nd paragraph: "The 400-Myr fossil history of stomata reveals that although S and D have both varied by several orders of magnitude (Fig. 1), all reported combinations are located within the biophysical envelope defined by maximum packing of stomata on the leaf surface (i.e., the maximum number of stomata of a given size, S, that can fit within a unit area) (Fig. 1, Table S1). Indeed, combinations of S and D must lie somewhat below this upper packing limit to accommodate several developmental, physiological, and mechanical requirements for spacing of stomata (refs 5, 8)." Please see note beneath figure
Entered by Uri M
ID 116578