Low-diversity systems in the Central Hardwoods region are at greater risk from climate change.

Species-rich communities have exhibited greater resilience to extreme environmental conditions and greater potential to recover from disturbance. Conversely, ecosystems that have low species diversity or low functional diversity (where multiple species occupy the same niche) may be less resilient to climate change, its associated stressors, or both. Genetic diversity within species is also critical for the ability of populations to adapt to climate change, because species with high genetic variation tend to have more individuals that can withstand a wide range of environmental stressors