Biology Under Cover

Selected Journal & Book Covers from SBS Faculty

"Life in the treetops: ecophysiological strategies of canopy epiphytes in a tropical montane cloud forest."

Nalini Nadkarni

Summary

Tropical montane cloud forests inhabit regions rich in biodiversity that play an important role in local and regional water cycles. Canopy-dwelling plants play a significant role in carbon, nutrient, and water cycles. Because they do not have roots to soil and water on the forest floor they are vulnerable to climate changes and drought. Our research team quantified the ways that these plants have adapted to drought, including changes in leaf thickness, rapid water uptake, direct uptake of mist and fog, and high water storage capacity. This understanding will help predict plant responses to future changes in climate.