Developmental Plasticity Display

See how environment affects growth in this comparison of 2 leaves from the same oak tree.  Leaves from the upper canopy are exposed to more sunlight and develop as deeply-lobed “Sun Leaves”, while leaves from the lower, shaded canopy develop as “Shade Leaves”.  The deeply-lobed sun leaves have less surface area to margin length which allows them to cool faster in the Summer, while the shade leaves have a higher ratio of surface area to catch the limited sunlight and hold heat. 

Presented in an 8X12 display.