This forest community is relatively rich in tree species, which may increase the number of ways in which the ecosystem can adjust to changing conditions while maintaining important ecosystem functions. Many tree species are often present, representing a broad mix of tolerances and reproductive strategies. Positive characteristics include a relatively high number of species with broad geographic ranges, large populations, and high genetic diversity. Even as some species decline, others are well-established to fill in the new gaps on a range of sites. Valley bottoms and other microsites in areas of complex topography may be buffered from some of the effects of climate change.
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