University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Sensitivity of leaf size and shape to climate: global patterns and paleoclimatic applications

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 07:38 authored by Peppe, DJ, Royer, DL, Cariglino, B, Oliver, SY, Newman, S, Leight, E, Enikolopov, G, Fernandez-Burgos, M, Herrera, F, Adams, JM, Correa, E, Currano, ED, Erickson, JM, Hinojosa, LF, Hoganson, JW, Iglesias, A, Jaramillo, CA, Johnson, KR, Gregory JordanGregory Jordan, Kraft, NJB, Lovelock, EC, Lusk, CH, Niinemets, U, Penuelas, J, Rapson, G, Wing, SL, Wright, IJ
Paleobotanists have long used models based on leaf size and shape to reconstruct paleoclimate. However, most models incorporate a single variable or use traits that are not physiologically or functionally linked to climate, limiting their predictive power. Further, they often underestimate paleotemperature relative to other proxies. Here we quantify leaf-climate correlations from 92 globally distributed, climatically diverse sites, and explore potential confounding factors. Multiple linear regression models for mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) are developed and applied to nine well-studied fossil floras. We find that leaves in cold climates typically have larger, more numerous teeth, and are more highly dissected. Leaf habit (deciduous vs evergreen), local water availability, and phylogenetic history all affect these relationships. Leaves in wet climates are larger and have fewer, smaller teeth. Our multivariate MAT and MAP models offer moderate improvements in precision over univariate approaches (+- 4.0 vs 4.8 celsius degree for MAT) and strong improvements in accuracy. For example, our provisional MAT estimates for most North American fossil floras are considerably warmer and in better agreement with independent paleoclimate evidence. Our study demonstrates that the inclusion of additional leaf traits that are functionally linked to climate improves paleoclimate reconstructions. This work also illustrates the need for better understanding of the impact of phylogeny and leaf habit on leaf-climate relationships.

History

Publication title

New Phytologist

Volume

190

Pagination

724-739

ISSN

0028-646X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Place of publication

9600 Garsington Rd, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox4 2Dg

Rights statement

The definitive published version is available online at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Terrestrial biodiversity

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC