Tree Clones uncovers the hidden world of clonal tree colonies, where entire forests originate from single trees through vegetative reproduction, like rhizomes and root suckers, challenging the traditional view of forests as collections of individual organisms. This fascinating realm of plant physiology reveals how trees clone themselves, emphasizing the ecological importance of these clonal forests.
These forests play unique roles in bolstering biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and resilience to environmental changes. The book explores the biological mechanisms behind clonal reproduction and the ecological impact of clonal forests, highlighting their evolutionary adaptation for thriving in challenging environments. You'll discover how resource sharing and disease resistance contribute to the long-term survival of these clonal populations.
Structured in three parts, the book introduces clonal reproduction, delves into the ecological characteristics of clonal forests, and examines the evolutionary history of tree cloning, providing a scientific perspective enriched with case studies and illustrations.
