Study finds limited physiological acclimation of trees to drought across 40 experiments

Forests, which harbor the majority of terrestrial biodiversity and regulate global climate, are increasingly threatened by prolonged droughts. Climate‑driven shifts in precipitation patterns have intensified water stress across many forest ecosystems, raising concerns about the resilience of tree populations and the services they provide.

Scientists are now investigating whether trees can acclimate to sustained water scarcity by modifying their physiology. Research shows that some species adjust stomatal conductance, leaf morphology, and root architecture to conserve water, while others exhibit changes in carbon allocation and growth rates. Comparative studies across temperate, boreal, and tropical forests aim to determine the limits of these acclimatory responses and identify which species or communities are most vulnerable.

The outcomes of this research will inform forest management and conservation strategies, helping to predict how tree communities might shift under future climate scenarios. Understanding the capacity for physiological acclimation is essential for safeguarding the ecological functions and climate‑regulating roles of forests worldwide.