Amazon forest resistance to drought is increased by diversity in hydraulic traits.

ABSTRACT: The unique biodiversity and vast carbon stocks of the Amazon rainforests are essential to the Earth System but are threatened by future water balance changes. Empirical evidence suggests that species and trait diversity may mediate forest drought responses, yet little evidence exists for tropical forest responses. In this simulation study, we identify key axes of trait variation and quantify the extent to which functional trait diversity increases tropical forests' drought resistance. Using a vegetation model capable of simulating observed tropical forest drought responses and trait diversity, we identify emergent trade-offs between water-related traits (hereafter hydraulic traits) as a key axis of variation. Our simulations reveal that higher functional trait diversity reduces site-scale

SUBMITTER: Langan L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12420827 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature