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IMAGE: Mature western forests, such as this stand of mixed conifers in California s Sequoia National Park, may be less able than younger forests back East to reseed themselves and regenerate following. view more
Credit: USGS
DURHAM, N.C. Younger, smaller trees that comprise much of North America s eastern forests have increased their seed production under climate change, but older, larger trees that dominate forests in much of the West have been less responsive, a new Duke University-led study finds.
Declines in these trees seed production, or fecundity, could limit western forests ability to regenerate following the large-scale diebacks linked to rising temperatures and intensifying droughts that are now occurring in many states and provinces.