The effect of stomatal density on the midrib and margin of woody leaves of dicotsINTRODUCTIONPlants rely heavily on their ability to exchange water and gas to keep life on Earth alive and well WELL. The tiny microscopic pores found on the surface of plant stems and leaves are vital for this exchange to occur. These pores, or openings, are called stomata (Freeman, 2011). Stomata are mainly open during photosynthesis, which occurs during the day, and are closed during the night. Stomata also tend to open and close in response to various stimuli and physiological states. Stomata density is the number of stomata per leaf area. Photosynthesis is certainly higher at the edge of the leaf rather than at the center of the leaf; this is due to the fact that the leaf edge can be particularly active, especially in cooler climates (USA, 2014). Therefore, toothed leaves are more inclined to exchange gases in a more relative manner. Additionally, leaf margin analysis can be used to determine what the climate is like during a period of time. Over the 150,000 year period, oxygen gas exchange has been documented within the fossil, so in this experiment the LMA will be tested to see if there are more stomata on the leaf margin. In this experiment we will determine the amount of photosynthetic gases that are exchanged to determine the uptake of carbon dioxide while water and oxygen are released into the outside atmosphere. This data will be used to determine the climate of the environment. To determine this, the count of smooth leaves, toothed leaves and stomata within the midrib and leaf edges will be taken into account. The null hypothesis will conclude that there is no effect on… half of the paper… carbon fixation denatures rapidly” (Environmental Correlates of Leaf Stomata Density (Description).). Because the amount of stomata in each field of vision is relatively abundant, it was quite difficult to keep an exact count of how many areas actually limited. For future research I could keep a count or have guidance on how I counted the stomata. Overall the results were found to be consistent. REFERENCES "Related Environmental Correlates of Leaf Stomatal Density (Description)." Environmental correlates of leaf stomatal density (Description). March 23, 2014. Freeman, Scott Biological Science / Scott Freeman: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011. Print.USA, 2014. Structure-function of Leaves and Writing Lab Reports. University of South Alabama Department of Biological Sciences Laboratory Exercise, accessed February 2014, 11 pages.