Owen K. Atkin

TL;DR: TRY as discussed by the authors is a global database of plant traits, including morphological, anatomical, physiological, biochemical and phenological characteristics of plants and their organs, which can be used for a wide range of research from evolutionary biology, community and functional ecology to biogeography.

TL;DR: A toolbox with definitions of key theoretical elements and a synthesis of the current understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying plasticity relevant to climate change is provided to provide clear directives for future research and stimulate cross-disciplinary dialogue on the relevance of phenotypic plasticity under climate change.

TL;DR: The underlying mechanisms responsible for the dynamic response of plant respiration to short and long-term temperature changes are discussed, including shifts in the control exerted by maximum enzyme activity at low temperature and substrate limitations at high temperature.

TL;DR: The extent of the trait data compiled in TRY is evaluated and emerging patterns of data coverage and representativeness are analyzed to conclude that reducing data gaps and biases in the TRY database remains a key challenge and requires a coordinated approach to data mobilization and trait measurements.

TL;DR: The need for a greater process-based understanding of thermal acclimation of respiration is highlighted if the authors are to successfully predict future ecosystem CO2 fluxes and potential feedbacks on atmospheric CO2 concentrations.