Amazon Trees Growing Fatter Due to Rising CO2
- * Trees in the Amazon rainforest, of all sizes, are currently benefiting from rising CO2 levels.
- * "Carbon-limited benefit": Smaller trees benefit more because they are more limited by resources initially.
- * While all trees are benefiting now, the researchers predict that over time, larger trees may grow at a faster rate and eventually dominate the ecosystem, possibly at...
Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the provided text:
Main Finding:
* Trees in the Amazon rainforest, of all sizes, are currently benefiting from rising CO2 levels. This is evidenced by increased growth (basal area).
Different Possible Responses to Rising CO2:
* “Carbon-limited benefit”: Smaller trees benefit more because they are more limited by resources initially.
* “Benefits shared”: All trees benefit.
* “Benefits shared” is currently the prevailing response,according to the study.
Future Outlook:
* While all trees are benefiting now, the researchers predict that over time, larger trees may grow at a faster rate and eventually dominate the ecosystem, possibly at the expense of smaller trees.
Study Details:
* Published in the journal nature Plants on September 25th.
* Joint-lead author: Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert (University of Cambridge/birmingham).
Importance:
* Large trees are important for absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere, and the study confirms their continued benefit.