Capturing functional strategies and compositional dynamics in vegetation demographic models

Abstract. Plant community composition influences carbon, water, and energy fluxes at regional to global scales. Vegetation demographic models (VDMs) allow investigation of the effects changing climate disturbance regimes on vegetation fluxes. Such requires that can accurately resolve these feedbacks simulate realistic composition. in VDMs is composed plant functional types (PFTs), which are specified according traits. Defining PFTs challenging due large variability trait observations within between a lack understanding model sensitivity Here we present an approach for developing PFT parameterizations connected underlying ecological processes determining forest mixed-conifer Sierra Nevada California, USA. We constrain multiple relative values PFTs, as opposed randomly sampling range observations. An ensemble then filtered based emergent properties meeting observation-based criteria under alternate scenarios. A small identified produces plausible demonstrates response frequency environmental variation. Retaining allows us quantify uncertainty responses key outcome from our methodology provides foundation robust parameterization across ecosystems.