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Title: North American tree migration paced by climate in the West, lagging in the East
Tree fecundity and recruitment have not yet been quantified at scales needed to anticipate biogeographic shifts in response to climate change. By separating their responses, this study shows coherence across species and communities, offering the strongest support to date that migration is in progress with regional limitations on rates. The southeastern continent emerges as a fecundity hotspot, but it is situated south of population centers where high seed production could contribute to poleward population spread. By contrast, seedling success is highest in the West and North, serving to partially offset limited seed production near poleward frontiers. The evidence of fecundity and recruitment control on tree migration can inform conservation planning for the expected long-term disequilibrium between climate and forest distribution.
Authors:
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Award ID(s):
1637685 1655896 1745496 1636476
Publication Date:
NSF-PAR ID:
10316278
Journal Name:
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Volume:
119
Issue:
3
ISSN:
0027-8424
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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