The Diversification of Bryophytes and Vascular Plants in Evolving Terrestrial Environments

Abstract

This chapter covers the basic needs of plants and the constraints of the physical environment on a pioneer land flora, including acquisition of CO 2 , nutrients, and coping with the intermittent availability of water. The radiation climate, heat and mass transfer, laminar and turbulent boundary layers, heat budgets, and the control of evaporation and temperature are briefly discussed. The importance of scale is emphasized; the vascular-plant strategy is optimal at