Topic Introduction

When dealing with many tree species, using a forest ecosystem as a framework to consider multiple species collectively can be an effective. However, ecosystem-based approach can be more complicated than for a single species. We will use two cases studies, one from North America and one from Asia, to explain how this approach works. 

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Interpret niche model predictions and projections for a forest ecosystem;
• Associate forest ecotypes with tree species distributions;
• Develop adaptive strategies based on model predictions and projections for a forest ecosystem.

Topic Readings

Required Readings

• None

Optional Readings

• Rehfeldt, G.E., Crookston, N.L., Warwell, M.V., Evans, J.S., 2006. Empirical analyses of plant-climate relationships for the western United States. Int. J. Plant Sci. 167, 1123–1150.
• Wang, T.; Campbell, E.M.; O’Neill, G.A.; Aitken, S.N. Projecting future distributions of ecosystem climate niches: Uncertainties and management applications. For. Ecol. Manag. 2012, 279, 128–140.

Fundamental Concepts

Self Check (For certificate learning only)

After reading for this topic, take 5 minutes to take an online self-check quiz for the topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self-check how well you grasp the contents for this topic. It will cover contents of the lecture(s) for the topic. Five attempts are allowed and highest mark will be saved to show your achievement.

When you are ready, click the link Self-check Quiz 5.3 to start taking the quiz.

Activities & Assignments (For certificate learning only)

Online Discussions

Online discussions are much like face-to-face discussions. Students are required preparation and active participation in order to the learning objectives. The online discussion will be asynchronous (i.e., students can participate at different times) and will be closed at the end of the week. This discussion accounts for 2 marks graded based on participation and quality of the posts. Each student is required to have at least one post. Everyone is encouraged to rate each post. The first post account for 70%, the second one for 20% and third one for 10% of the participation, respectively. The first post with at least five sentences is considered as the “first post”. A simply “Yes or No” post is not considered as a post. The quality is graded by both Instructor (50%) and peer rating (50%).

Discussion Topics:

1. Potential applications of forest ecosystems in developing forest adaptive strategies.
2. Association of tree species with forest ecotypes.

To participate in the discussion, please go to Online Discussion 5.3 class forum.

Graded Assignments

None for the week.

Topic Summary

In this topic, we used two forest ecosystems to demonstrate the potential applications of forest ecosystems as a framework to deal with multiple species collectively. The forest ecosystem in British Columbia is a well-defined system and the associations between species and the ecosystem are readily available.   However, such associations in the forest ecosystem in China need to be developed. Still, it is expected to be more effective than working individual species as the number of species is huge. Through these case studies, we showed to interpret niche model predictions and projections for a forest ecosystem, associate forest ecotypes with tree species distributions, and develop adaptive strategies based on model predictions and projections for a forest ecosystem.

Topic Self-review (For self learning)

Please use the reflection questions below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic:

1. What are the advantages of forest ecosystems as a framework to manage forest resources for adaptation to climate change?
2. Why is it important to associate tree occurrence with forest ecotypes?
3. How to consider uncertainties of future climate in developing forest adaptive strategies?