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Abstract:
The integration of functional traits into vulnerability assessments is a promising approach to quantitatively capture
differences in species sensitivity and adaptive capacity to climate change, allowing the refinement of tree species distribution models.
In response to a clear need to identify traits that are responsive to climate change and applicable in amanagement context, we review
the state of knowledge of the main mechanisms, and their associated traits, that underpin the ability of boreal and temperate tree
species to persist and (or) shift their distribution in a changing climate. We aimed to determine whether current knowledge is
sufficiently mature and available to be used effectively in vulnerability assessments. Marshalling recent conceptual advances and
assessing data availability, our ultimate objective is to guide modellers and practitioners in finding and selecting sets of traits that can
be used to capture differences in species’ ability to persist and migrate. While the physiological mechanisms that determine sensitivity
to climate change are relatively well understood (e.g., drought-induced cavitation),manyassociated traits have not been systematically
documented for North American trees and differences in methodology preclude their widespread integration into vulnerability
assessments (e.g., xylem recovery capacity). In contrast, traits traditionally associated with the ability to migrate and withstand fire are
generally well documented, but new key traits are emerging in the context of climate change that have not been as well characterized
(e.g., age of optimum seed production). More generally, lack of knowledge surrounding the extent and patterns in intraspecific trait
variation, as well as co-variation and interaction among traits, limit our ability to use this approach to assess tree adaptive capacity.We
conclude by outlining research needs and potential strategies for the development of trait-based knowledge applicable in large-scale
modelling efforts, sketching out important aspects of trait data organization that should be part of a coordinated effort by the forest science community.
