Shapes of river networks and leaves: are they statistically similar?

Authors
Pelletier, JD Turcotte, DL
Citation
Jd. Pelletier et Dl. Turcotte, Shapes of river networks and leaves: are they statistically similar?, PHI T ROY B, 355(1394), 2000, pp. 307-311
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary,"Experimental Biology
Journal title
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ISSN journal
09628436 → ACNP
Volume
355
Issue
1394
Year of publication
2000
Pages
307 - 311
Database
ISI
SICI code
0962-8436(20000229)355:1394<307:SORNAL>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
The structure of river networks is compared with the vein structure of leav es. The two structures are visually similar at the smaller scales. The stat istics of branching and side branching are nearly identical. The branching structure of diffusion-limited aggregation clusters is also similar and can provide an explanation for the structure of river networks. The origin of the self-similar branching and side branching of the vein structure in leav es is not clear but it appears to be an optimal network in terms of transpo rting nutrients to all parts of the leaf with the least total resistance.