On the importance of root traits in seedlings of tropical tree species

What is it about?

We show that, to a large extent, root traits of tropical tree seedlings such as rooting depth or the the existence of thin roots near the soil surface are determined by the origin (dry savannas, moist savannas, dry forests, moist forests) of these seedlings. This suggests an important selective pressure on root traits linked to resources (water, light) and defoliation (fire, grazing) in these tropical vegetation types.

Featured Image