Forest structure and composition drive differences in metabolic energy and entropy dynamics during temperature extremes in longleaf pine savannas

The southeastern US has experienced an increase in the number of extreme heat events since 1970s, due part to global change. Despite rising temperatures, greater variability weather also led more freeze across parts Southeast, particularly during El Niño winters. Structural variation forest stands and plant functional diversity can lead localized micrometeorological differences that may alter recovery different forests from these temperature-induced disturbances. This energy entropy dynamics, which drive metabolic response systems. Using thermodynamic metrics, we quantified production at three longleaf pine savanna sites spanning edaphic moisture gradient (i.e., xeric, intermediate, mesic). differed anthropogenic legacy, with soil tillage occurring intermediate site, resulting woody species abundance understory overstory. We found reserves this ecosystem were built low precipitation periods when temperatures below 20°C. mesic had highest diversity, exhibited adaptive capacity temperature extremes by maintaining activity throughout disturbances, while xeric started high gradually declined ~15% prolonged extremes. Response was a function hydrological drivers, as lower water availability reduced cold photosynthetic heatwaves – especially result demand oaks As climate change continues patterns globe, it becomes increasingly important assess resilience structure.