eco-organ

views updated May 23 2018

eco-organ A term used in some modern attempts to devise a system for describing vegetation types on the basis of life-form rather than species composition. An eco-organ is a characteristic morphological feature which reflects adaptation to external environmental conditions. Sunken stomata are one example; narrow, needle, or divided leaves are another. Compare LIFE-FORM and RAUNKIAER.

eco-organ

views updated May 17 2018

eco-organ A term used in some modern attempts to devise a system for describing vegetation types on the basis of life-form rather than species composition. An eco-organ is a characteristic morphological feature which reflects adaptation to external environmental conditions. Sunken stomata are one example; narrow, needle, or divided leaves are another. Compare life-form and Raunkiaer.