Temperature responses of photosynthesis and respiration in evergreen trees from boreal to tropical latitudes

Evergreen species are widespread across the globe, representing two major plant functional forms in terrestrial models. We reviewed and analysed the responses of photosynthesis and respiration to warming in 101 evergreen species from boreal to tropical biomes. Summertime temperatures affected both latitudinal gas exchange rates and the degree of responsiveness to experimental warming. The decrease in net photosynthesis at 25°C (A (net25)) was larger with warming in tropical climates than cooler ones. Respiration at 25°C (R (25)) was reduced by 14% in response to warming across species and biomes. Gymnosperms were more sensitive to greater amounts of warming than broadleaved evergreens, with A (net25) and R (25) reduced c. 30–40% with > 10°C warming. While standardised rates of carboxylation (V (cmax25)) and electron transport (J (max25)) adjusted to warming, the magnitude of this adjustment was not related to warming amount (range 0.6–16°C). The temperature optimum of photosynthesis (T (optA)) increased on average 0.34°C per °C warming. The combination of more constrained acclimation of photosynthesis and increasing respiration rates with warming could possibly result in a reduced carbon sink in future warmer climates. The predictable patterns of thermal acclimation across biomes provide a strong basis to improve modelling predictions of the future terrestrial carbon sink with warming.