One of the Network’s overall aims is “Unify models about stem conductance, vascular design, scaling of shoots and leaves, costs and benefits of plant height, wood density”. During the past 10 years models have proliferated that deal with plant height, conductance, vasculature and wood properties. Up to the present, models have been tested by proponents fitting selected data to each model individually. The detailed mathematics often are too difficult for non-theoreticians to understand in depth. Consequently, the present situation is that field biologists are finding it impossible to decide what kind of evidence should be regarded as supporting one theory rather than another.

Arising from the meeting in August 2005 are publications being drafted by Price and by Christensen-Dalsgaard, with various coauthors. Zanne and Coomes are collaborating in gathering together wood density data worldwide. A group of Westoby, Falster and Zanne are working towards a systematic comparison and review of alternative theory strands, tabulating how the models are similar and different in their assumptions, structure and predictions. It is not envisaged that this exact mixture of people will be called together again, but further working groups targeting particular issues are possible, once more progress has been made on these different activities.

last updated Sept 2006