Thermal Traits of a Leaf (IMAGE) DOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory Caption The thermal traits of a leaf, critical for photosynthesis, may be under strong evolutionary selection that occurs in response to environmental temperatures. Here a thermal leaf image details temperature variation, which greatly affects plant functions since temperature is closely linked to metabolic kinetics -- the plant's pathways and speed of reactions that support growth and other functions essential for survival. Credit Benjamin Blonder Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.