Biodiversity meets the atmosphere: a global view of forest canopies.

Ozanne, C M P; Anhuf, D; Boulter, S L; Keller, M; Kitching, R L; Körner, C; Meinzer, F C; Mitchell, A W et al. · Science · 2003

review · Level V

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Abstract

The forest canopy is the functional interface between 90% of Earth's terrestrial biomass and the atmosphere. Multidisciplinary research in the canopy has expanded concepts of global species richness, physiological processes, and the provision of ecosystem services. Trees respond in a species-specific manner to elevated carbon dioxide levels, while climate change threatens plant-animal interactions in the canopy and will likely alter the production of biogenic aerosols that affect cloud formation and atmospheric chemistry.

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