Trait-Based Modeling of Terrestrial Ecosystems: Advances and Challenges Under Global Change

Purpose of Review We summarize the general structure of modern terrestrial ecosystem models and investigate how advances in trait-based modeling approaches help to better constrain predictions for ecosystem sensitivity to global change. Recent Findings In ecosystem models, empirical parameters are increasingly being replaced with plant physiological trait-based parameters, which can be directly measured in the field. The needs to predict long-term terrestrial ecosystem dynamics under climate change have spurred novel model developments including the representation of (i) vegetation processes across the critical zone, (ii) wood and belowground ecophysiology, and (iii) the effects of physiological trait acclimation. Summary Trait-based modeling of terrestrial ecosystems allows for the direct integration of measured plant ecophysiology with model processes, increasing the potential to constrain uncertainty and improve predictions under novel climate regimes. However, such increased model complexity requires careful model design, standardized intercomparisons, and benchmarking for model responses to both climate extremes and long-term trends.

Automated summary

Trait-based modeling of terrestrial ecosystems replaces empirical parameters with plant physiological trait-based parameters to better predict ecosystem sensitivity to global change. However, careful model design and standardized intercomparisons are needed to improve predictions under novel climate regimes.