Ancient trees are essential elements for high- mountain forest conservation: Linking the longevity of trees to their ecological function

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Pasques, Ot; Munne-Bosch, Sergi
• 署名单位: University of Barcelona; University of Barcelona
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-10952
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2317866121
• 发表日期: 2024-02-13
• 关键词: bristlecone-pine; old; mechanisms; ecotone; AGE

摘要

Mature forests and their extremely old trees are rare and threatened ancient vestiges in remote European high- mountain regions. Here, we analyze the role that extremely long - living trees have in mature forests biodiversity in relation to their singular traits underlying longevity. Tree size and age determine relative growth rates, bud abortion, and the water status of long- living trees. The oldest trees suffer indefectible age- related constraints but possess singular evolutionary traits defined by fitness adaptation, modular autonomy, and a resilient metabolism that allow them to have irreplaceable roles in the ecosystem as biodiversity anchors of vulnerable lichen species like Letharia vulpina. We suggest that the role of ancient trees as unique biodiversity reservoirs is linked to their singular physiological traits associated with longevity. The set of evolutionarily plastic tools that can only be provided by centuries or millennia of longevity helps the oldest trees of mature forests drive singular ecological relationships that are irreplaceable and necessary for ecosystem dynamics.