Publication Date:
2024-03-06
Description:
Understanding what controls global leaf type variation in trees is crucial for
\ncomprehending their role in terrestrial ecosystems, including carbon, water
\nand nutrient dynamics. Yet our understanding of the factors infuencing
\nforest leaf types remains incomplete, leaving us uncertain about the global
\nproportions of needle-leaved, broadleaved, evergreen and deciduous
\ntrees. To address these gaps, we conducted a global, ground-sourced
\nassessment of forest leaf-type variation by integrating forest inventory
\ndata with comprehensive leaf form (broadleaf vs needle-leaf) and habit
\n(evergreen vs deciduous) records. We found that global variation in leaf
\nhabit is primarily driven by isothermality and soil characteristics, while leaf
\nform is predominantly driven by temperature. Given these relationships,
\nwe estimate that 38% of global tree individuals are needle-leaved evergreen,
\n29% are broadleaved evergreen, 27% are broadleaved deciduous and
\n5% are needle-leaved deciduous. The aboveground biomass distribution
\namong these tree types is approximately 21% (126.4\xe2\x80\x89Gt), 54% (335.7\xe2\x80\x89Gt), 22%
\n(136.2\xe2\x80\x89Gt) and 3% (18.7\xe2\x80\x89Gt), respectively. We further project that, depending
\non future emissions pathways, 17\xe2\x80\x9334% of forested areas will experience
\nclimate conditions by the end of the century that currently support a
\ndiferent forest type, highlighting the intensifcation of climatic stress on
\nexisting forests. By quantifying the distribution of tree leaf types and their
\ncorresponding biomass, and identifying regions where climate change will
\nexert greatest pressure on current leaf types, our results can help improve
\npredictions of future terrestrial ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling.
Repository Name:
National Museum of Natural History, Netherlands
Type:
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Format:
application/pdf
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