Biological processes of tree and forest response to climate change: adaptation and phenotypic plasticity

This paper reviews how trees and forests respond biologically to climate change through adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. It explains that forests possess wide genetic diversity both between and within species, which supports immediate physiological responses and longer-term evolutionary shifts. Short-term responses rely on phenotypic plasticity to cope with extreme weather events, while long-term adaptation stems from genetic selection acting on adaptive traits. The authors highlight interactions between plasticity and adaptation processes and show that this inherent response potential may not suffice under rapid climate change. They propose a dynamic, process-based approach to characterize and manage forest genetic resources, combining risk analysis, field experimentation, and modelling to inform adaptive forestry practices.