Peppe, Daniel J.Lemons, Casee R.2012-08-082012-08-082012-052012-08-08http://hdl.handle.net/2104/8440This study developed a biomechanical model of leaf trait relationships in fern leaves. A common plant relationship is positive covariance between petiole width (PW) and leaf mass (LM). When LM and PW are area-normalized, petiole width measurements can predict leaf mass per area (LMA). The leaf economics spectrum shows that LMA covaries with other key plant traits, including leaf life span, photosynthetic rates, and palatability to herbivores. These correlations make LMA predictions a powerful tool in paleoreconstruction. Two hypotheses formed the basis of this study: (1) all levels of fern leaf hierarchy will hold the same allometric leaf trait relationships, and (2) previously established biomechanical plant models can be used as a paleoecological proxy for ferns. Results show that allometric relationships are not consistent within all levels of fern hierarchy, and a distinctly different model is needed to be used as a paleoecological proxy for ferns.en-USBaylor University theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact librarywebmaster@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.Ferns.Leaf economics.ThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 1/13/14.