leaf margin morphology

[McCrunchy]

Hi,

 

What evolutionary advantage do leaf margin morphologies (dentate, crenate, siliate etc. cf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf) confer compared to a plain smooth edge ?

 

My first idea would be that having more "edge" makes for swifter gas exchanges (a damp sheet of paper dries at the edges first).

 

Thanks for your help,

 

McCrunchy

[dougalbod]

This is a really good question. I'll try and offer some suggestions when I've had some time to think about it more.

 

 

Dougal