How does climate change typically affect forests?

The impact of climate change on forests is complex and multifaceted, and one significant consequence is the alteration of growth patterns and an increase in pest outbreaks. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, trees and other vegetation in forests respond in various ways.

For instance, changes in temperature and precipitation can affect the physiological processes of trees, including photosynthesis and nutrient uptake. These alterations may lead to changes in forest growth rates, species composition, and the timing of seasonal events such as flowering and leaf emergence. Warmer temperatures can also create more favorable conditions for pests and pathogens, resulting in increased outbreaks that can harm tree health and forest resilience.

Pest populations may thrive in warmer climates with milder winters, which can lead to more frequent and severe infestations, further stressing already compromised trees. Ultimately, these factors contribute to the declining health of forest ecosystems, changing their structure and function significantly in response to climate change.

The other choices do not accurately describe typical climate change effects on forests. For example, increased sunlight exposure alone does not encompass the wider implications of climate change on growth patterns or pest dynamics, while reductions in soil erosion are not directly tied to climate change impacts. Enhancing tree species diversity may be a localized effect in some areas, but