Изменение функциональных параметров листьев видов р. Betula вдоль градиента аридности климата в Южной Сибири и Монголии

Leaf parameters were studied in populations of Betula pendula Roth and Betula platyphylla Sukacz. fromsouthern Urals, Southern Siberia and Mongolia. It was shown that leaf thickness and density increase under increasing ofclimate aridity, that indicates structural and functional changes in leaves of birch trees under conditions of water deficit.These parameters can be considered as indicators of photosynthetic apparatus adaptation of birch trees to climate changes.