Leaf veins filter vibratory signals toward the leaf apex as low-pass channels

Evidence

Leaves are used by some animals, such as spiders, as a medium to enhance vibratory signals employed in animal communication. Magal et al. (2000) have investigated the role of leaf structure in vibration propagation of apple leaves. Using the impact of small spheres to produce waves on the leaves, three components of leaf structure were identified: The midvein, minor vein, and the interspaced homogeneous region compose the leaf lamina. The midvein absorbed vibratory energy at a level of 80 % at the leaf base and 40 % at the apex. Minor veins had a decrease of 70 % at the leaf base and 31 % at the apex. The loss of energy at the homogeneous area was 40 %. The midvein acted as a low-pass filter. The energy loss was dependent not on vein type but on vein diameter: diameter less than 0.2 mm was considered as equivalent to a homogeneous region. — Almo Farina, Soundscape Ecology, 332

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Vegetation attenuation thresholds differ measurably across cover types and soil states — Almo Farina, Soundscape Ecology: Principles,…, 331; Drought-stressed plants emit cell-collapse sounds bark beetles use to locate trees. — Almo Farina, Soundscape Ecology: Principles,…, 360

Broader Connections

• Drought-stressed plants emit cell-collapse sounds bark beetles use to locate trees. #complicates (0.72) — Almo Farina, Soundscape Ecology, 360