Productivity. Leaves?
9/7/2005
Want to talk about productivity? I am amazed at the number of leaves trees produce. On a typical tree the leaves have got to number in the thousands, perhaps tens of thousands. And as I note the leaves of some trees once again calling it quits on another summer of chlorophyll production, I realize that every tree produces thousands of leaves -- each year. I wonder if sometime in the 1800's, when botany was all the rage, if anyone did any statistical type, counting 'em up oriented, studies of the numbers of leaves on trees. That would be interesting.
Then there are the evergreens, who do not shed their needles en masse in the fall. Seems more efficient, especially for a "primitive" tree. But isn't that just the way? Evergreens are ancient trees, right? There were evergreens before the dinosaurs and before leafy, flowering trees? Makes me think of sharks and crocodiles -- also around before the dinosaurs and still around today. Effective predators. Evergreens, sharks, and crocodiles. "Primitive" but effective. Perhaps their effectiveness is why they've survived so well, apparently little changed from their Paleozoic ancestors.
