Department or Program
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Rachis of the order Cycadales, also known as cycads, have been shown to display a distinct vascular arrangement that resembles the inverted Greek letter omega. This detailed and unique arrangement provides useful information to paleobotanists interested in plant identification and classification. Little is known on how the omega-shaped vascular network supplies water uniformly to leaflets. Building upon previous studies on Cycas revoluta (Tomlinson et al. 2018), this research aims to complete a thorough analysis of the three-dimensional vascular arrangements across the order Cycadales. One species from ten genera was sequentially sectioned, photographed with a digital camera under a microscope, stacked and aligned in Adobe Photoshop, and converted to cinematic format. These images yield a three-dimensional analysis of the vascular network. The hydraulic architecture can be used to explore evolutionary trends and possible links between hydraulic limitations and the geographic distribution of particular genera.
Level of Access
Restricted: Embargoed [Bates Community After Expiration]
First Advisor
Brett Huggett
Date of Graduation
5-2019
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Recommended Citation
Micklewhite, Niamh L., "The Hydraulic Architecture of Cycads: A Three-Dimensional Analysis of Vascular Networks" (2019). Standard Theses. 193.
https://scarab.bates.edu/envr_studies_theses/193
Number of Pages
59
Restricted
Available to Bates community via local IP address or Bates login.