Concepts of adaptive geometry are used to understand advantages of different geometric forms of trees, leaves and branching patterns.
Often these concepts are used to explain differences in the geometric forms of late and early successional species.

excurrent

deliquescent

multilayer

monolayer

Consequences of leaf placement in sunny environments:

multilayer: If leaves are not in shadow, >1 surface area of leaves can carry out max. rates of photosynthesis, and lower leaves have lower heat stress
monolayer: 1 layer can carry out max. photosynthesis and all leaves are at max. heat stress

Consequences of leaf placement in shady environments:

multilayer: < 1 layer can carry out max. photosynthesis, because lower leaves are at <20% full sunlight
monolayer: 1 full layer can carry out max. photosynthesis, heat stress is not an issue