A Comparison Study of Tropical Seedlings Ecophysiology and Ecology: Predicting Rainforest Dynamics under Climate Change

International Department, Affiliated High School of South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China

Abstract

Understanding influences of climate change on the biogeochemical cycle underscores the significance of predicting forest ecosystems. However, current research has often ignored early-stage tree physiology and ecology, which are critical factors to shape forest growth; also, while the impacts of temperature elevations and climate events on trees are studied universally, indirect factors, including soil nutrients and beetles’ damages, haven’t been strongly linked to this global topic. This study addresses this gap by evaluating how tropical seedlings respond physiologically to variations in light color and quality, soil nutrients and soil types, water stress, beetles stress, temperature stress; then, compare these physiological responses to those of mature trees. The goals of this research are: (1) to compare tropical seedlings physiological traits to adults, thereby clarifying effects of climate change; (2) to link seedlings ecophysiology with forest dynamics under climate change for shaping tropical ecosystems’ models. Despite the pivotal role of seedlings, current scientific findings on seedlings ecophysiology and ecology in response to climate change are still limited. Existing research largely focuses on the short-term effects of environmental factors on seedlings physiological traits; plus, investigations of seedlings’ impacts on forest regeneration seldom connect with greenhouse effects. This elucidates an urgent need to further explore studies of tropical seedlings under a changing climate.