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Published February 29, 2000 | public
Journal Article

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

Abstract

The structure of river networks is compared with the vein structure of leaves. The two structures are visually similar at the smaller scales. The statistics 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 leaves is not clear but it appears to be an optimal network in terms of transporting nutrients to all parts of the leaf with the least total resistance.

Additional Information

© 2000 The Royal Society. Received 17 September 1998, Accepted 5 May 1999.

Additional details

Created:
August 19, 2023
Modified:
October 23, 2023