Matskási István (szerk.): A Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum évkönyve 96. (Budapest 2004)
Molnár, J., Erdei, B. ; Hably, L.: The transport of leaves and fruits - a taphonomical study of leaf litter
+ b and y = lg 'number of leaves', thus 'number of leaves' = 10mx+b (the value of 'm' is negative). At the point the axis 'x' is intersected by the straights only one leaf specimen per quadrat is to be expected. The straights intersect the axis 'x' at an average distance of 23.6 m, thus leaves are expected to be found inside a circle of 47m diameter. However, the distribution of leaves and fruits shows an irregular pattern distorted to the north-northwest as it is denoted by the two straights based on data of the north-northwest transections (these straights intersect the 'x' axis at the furthest point). The relation of average leaf weight, leaf surface and density and the transport of leaves - Along the north transection the average leaf weight/quadrat of Acer platanoides (total weight of leaves / number of leaves) was measured. Data were plotted against distance from the tree trunk (Figs 9-10). After a comparison of the leaf content of the closer and distant quadrats it was concluded that the average weight and surface of the leaves are significantly lower in the distant quadrats than those of the closer quadrats whereas the average density of the leaves [g/cm 2 ] does not differ significantly (Figs 9-10). Thus, the transport of smaller and lighter leaves is more affected by the wind which agrees well with the results of FERGUSON'S studies (1985). It could be supposed as well that leaves with greater Figs 9-10. Role of average leaf surface, weight and density in the dispersion of Acer platanoides leaves. Relationship of average leaf weight per quadrat (total leaf weight per quadrat / number of leaves in the quadrat) and distance from the trunk in the north transection is indicated. From the quadrat indicated with black squares and from 5 distant quadrats designated with empty squares 50-50 relatively intact leaves were taken out in a random way. Weight, density and surface of leaves were measured. In Fig. 10 the average leaf surface ± standard deviation, average leaf weight ± standard deviation and average leaf density + standard deviation are given. ** P< 0.01, two tailed Student's t-test. The black columns show the results based on the quadrat close to the trunk and the empty ones represent those of the distant quadrats. Average leaf weight and leaf surface are smaller in the distant quadrats in contrast to average leaf density displaying consistent values in both the closer and distant quadrats
