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Positive feedbacks and alternative stable states in forest leaf types.

Yibiao Zou1, Constantin M Zohner2, Colin Averill2

  • 1Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Universitätsstrasse 16, 8092, Zurich, Switzerland. yibiao.zou@usys.ethz.ch.

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|May 31, 2024
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Forests can exist in alternative stable states, with evidence found in leaf type distributions. Positive feedbacks among trees of the same leaf type drive these forest states and ecosystem hysteresis.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Forest Science
  • Biosphere Dynamics

Background:

  • Alternative stable states (ASS) significantly impact terrestrial biosphere functioning, but empirical evidence is limited.
  • Understanding ASS is crucial for predicting forest biome distribution and ecosystem feedbacks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the existence of alternative stable states in forest systems using evergreen and deciduous types.
  • To identify the mechanisms driving these states and their implications for ecosystem dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Combined global forest biodiversity observations with ecological simulations.
  • Analyzed leaf type distribution patterns in temperate Northern Hemisphere forests.
  • Quantified tree growth, recruitment, and mortality feedbacks based on neighboring tree types.

Main Results:

  • Observed a bimodal distribution of forest leaf types not solely explained by environmental factors, indicating potential ASS.
  • Empirically demonstrated positive feedbacks: trees thrive better among their own type (higher growth, survival, recruitment).
  • Simulations confirmed these feedbacks generate ASS and hysteresis during transitions between evergreen and deciduous states.

Conclusions:

  • Positive feedbacks, particularly soil-related ones in ecotones, are key drivers of bistable forest types.
  • Findings are vital for predicting forest biome shifts, biodiversity, carbon cycling, and climate feedbacks.
  • The study provides empirical evidence for ASS in forest ecosystems, advancing ecological theory.