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The mysterious language of trees: Do you know which trees shed their leaves during the dry season to conserve water?
In tropical and subtropical dry broad-leaved forests, the ecological wisdom hidden in the defoliation behavior of trees is extremely profound. These forests are located at lower latitudes, and although the climate is warm year-round and may receive hundreds of millimeters of precipitation each year, the months-long dry season becomes the most challenging period for the ecosystem. This seasonal drought has had a significant impact on life in the forest, especially those dominated by deciduous tree species.
“These trees shed their leaves during the dry season, not only as a survival strategy but also as a symbol of environmental adaptation.”
Many tree species, such as teak and alpine ebony, shed their leaves to conserve moisture. When the leaves fall, the canopy opens, allowing sunlight to reach the ground, helping the lush shrubs grow. In contrast, trees in humid areas or near groundwater sources typically remain evergreen, growing on less fertile soil and helping to withstand the challenges of drought.
Geographical changes
Dry forests usually occur in the north and south of tropical rainforest belts, and on the north or south sides of subtropical deserts, usually forming two belts: one between 10° and 20° north latitude, and the other south Between 10° and 20° latitude. Among these regions, western and southern Mexico and the lowlands of Bolivia contain some of the most diverse dry forests in the world.
"The most biodiverse dry forests occur on the Pacific coast of South America, which support many unique species due to the dry climate."
The Maputaland-Pondoland bush and jungle on South Africa's east coast is also extremely diverse and home to many endemic species. The dry forests of India and Indochina are known for their large and diverse vertebrate fauna. The trees in these forests are extremely resilient and face difficult climate challenges.
Biodiversity patterns and needs
In dry forests, the range of species is often wider than in humid forests. Dry forest species, dominated by plants, tend to have narrower distributions. Although beta and alpha diversity in these forests are relatively high, they are generally lower than in adjacent moist forests. Effective dry broadleaf forest conservation requires retaining large and continuous areas of forest to maintain larger predators and other vertebrates and reduce the effects of hunting pressure on sensitive species.
"Continuous water sources and the presence of riparian forest are critical for many dry forest species."
Intact forests are critical for species to recover from occasional large events, such as forest fires. Dry forests are highly susceptible to excessive burning and clear-cutting, and overgrazing and invasive species can also rapidly alter natural communities. Forest restoration is possible, but the challenges are significant, especially when damage is severe and long-lasting.
Ecological region
The world's dry forests are divided into different ecological zones, such as the dry forests of the Cape Verde Islands in the African tropics, the dry broadleaf forests of Madagascar, and the dry forests of China, India and other regions in Eurasia. . Each of these unique ecosystems has its own characteristics, producing diverse and unique biomes.
“These ecological areas reveal the exquisite structure of nature and the story of how life strives to survive in harsh environments.”
By exploring these ecoregions, we can better understand the story behind tree defoliation and the workings of dry forest ecosystems. The protection of these ecosystems is vital as they not only support a diverse range of life but also contribute to the sustainability of the planet.
How can we better protect these mysterious trees and their unique ecosystems in the face of the challenges of climate change and human activity?
