Extended phenotype weight in a tree
Let the tree have a diameter 0.5m (Seeley 1976)
and cavity height be 1.5m (Seeley 1976)
The height of extended phenotype is the height of he thermal envelope= cavity height + 0.5m up and down =2.5m
Wood density oak =750kg per cubic metre (internet) (typical nest tree around here)
Cavity volume 0.04 cubic metres (seeley 1976)
The Volume of tree section of extended phenotype = ((3.14/4)*0.5*0.5*2.5)-0.04=0.45 cubic metres
Tree section extended phenotype weight =0.45*750=338kg=745 lbs
If we say 2.5m is too generous then if thermal envelope 2m then weight= 264kg=581 lbs
If we take wood only only on sides of cavity (1.5m) = 191kg = 420lbs
Other tree woods can be as light as 2/3rd of these numbers.
This weight and the time it takes to heat up why experiments on the real thing are inconvenient.
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