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Photosynthesis in the Principal Barrow, Alaska, Species: A Summary of Field and Laboratory Responses

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Vegetation and Production Ecology of an Alaskan Arctic Tundra

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 29))

Abstract

A number of factors suggest that the photosynthetic systems of tundra plants function effectively under arctic environments. For example, the Barrow wet meadow system is capable of accumulating 100 g of dry matter aboveground in a 55-day period (Tieszen, 1972). This production results in a minimal efficiency of primary production of 0.46%. This comparatively high efficiency suggests that the process of photosynthesis is adapted to the low ambient temperatures, a suggestion which differs from the review and theoretical consideration provided by Warren Wilson (1966). One of the main limitations to primary production in this system may be simply the short duration of the growing season.

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Larry L. Tieszen

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Tieszen, L.L. (1978). Photosynthesis in the Principal Barrow, Alaska, Species: A Summary of Field and Laboratory Responses. In: Tieszen, L.L. (eds) Vegetation and Production Ecology of an Alaskan Arctic Tundra. Ecological Studies, vol 29. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-6307-4_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-6307-4_10

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-6309-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-6307-4

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