Mapping the global distribution of C₄ vegetation using observations and optimality theory.

ABSTRACT: Plants with the C₄ photosynthesis pathway typically respond to climate change differently from more common C₃-type plants, due to their distinct anatomical and biochemical characteristics. These different responses are expected to drive changes in global C₄ and C₃ vegetation distributions. However, current C₄ vegetation distribution models may not predict this response as they do not capture multiple interacting factors and often lack observational constraints. Here, we used global observations of plant photosynthetic pathways, satellite remote sensing, and photosynthetic optimality theory to produce an observation-constrained global map of C₄ vegetation. We find that global C₄ vegetation coverage decreased from 1

SUBMITTER: Luo X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10858286 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature