Tree diversity drives forest stand resistance to natural disturbances (2024)

FAQs

Why is it important to have a diversity of trees in a forest? ›

Tree diversity may lead to fewer resources for herbivores, more predation and symbiosis, and higher compatibility between the traits of species. When a forest is made up of only one, or a few species of trees, it can become vulnerable to environmental changes.

Soil chemical properties such as pH, soil organic carbon (soc) that determine nutrient availability and soil texture including clay and silt content that regulate water availability, are reported as influential drivers of tree diversity and functioning^26,27.

Forest disturbances such as fires, storms, and logging may lead to the loss of tree species, and therefore a reduction in biodiversity. Similarly, changes in soil composition, temperature, and moisture may also impact the survival of different species.

Not only do trees offer a habitat to a variety of organisms, but they also create environments conducive to new plant growth. For example, aspen trees are considered keystone species in the Boreal forest because of the habitat they provide to fungi, insects and birds.

The greater quantity and variety of healthy, native species that are found in an ecosystem, the better. A flourishing forest provides food, shelter and clean air and water to support a wide range of species.

The biological diversity of trees ('tree biodiversity') is central to resilient and productive forests, agroforestry and other tree-based systems. The Tree Productivity and Diversity research theme (Trees theme) works on the conservation and sustainable use of this biodiversity.

If planted in the wrong environment, trees can cause an increase in carbon emissions through side effects that may be difficult to anticipate ahead of time. For example, planting trees in grasslands can increase the risk of fire, releasing the carbon stored naturally in that environment's plants and soil.

Several factors contribute to species diversity, including habitat diversity, competition among species, and genetic diversity.

Natural disturbances such as forest fires, insects and disease outbreaks are a part of the normal life cycle of a healthy forest, stimulating regeneration and growth.

How can natural disturbances positively impact biodiversity? ›

While natural disturbances like fires and floods can pose a risk to human life, in some places these events can help to support a diverse ecosystem. Forest fires, for example, allow species like oak to thrive and support a rich insect population, which in turn feeds many different birds.

Disturbances can include wildfires, avalanches, landslides, tree falls, construction, and more.

A forest is just a bunch of these family trees, not related to each other, each with its own main ancestor. Trees help organize things in a hierarchy, while forests are used when dealing with multiple separate hierarchies.

Trees and Biodiversity

Trees support wildlife and aquatic life by providing habitat and helping to keep waterways healthy. This ensures that ecosystem balance can be maintained and biodiversity can thrive. Forests rich in biodiversity benefit the human population, too.

Historically, habitat and land use change have had the biggest impact on biodiversity in all ecosystems, but climate change and pollution are projected to increasingly affect all aspects of biodiversity.

Forests are naturally diverse, and this diversity of plant species brings an array of benefits: pest and disease resistance, resilience to climate change and increased wildlife habitat.

Recent studies have also shown that fungi and plants in the Amazon actually contribute to creating more rainfall via a nighttime release of certain salts into the air. Meaning, the diversity of organisms that benefit from rainfall are actually causing more rainfall.

Biodiverse forests store more carbon, more reliably.

Native, biodiverse forests in watersheds are also more effective than planted monocultures at supplying water resources to downstream cities because of their structure, impact on soils and greater resilience.

Diversity is essential to healthy ecosystems. Forests made up of a variety of tree species are more productive, as they make more efficient use of resources.