Canopy structural complexity shapes ecosystem function: The case for adding canopy complexity into Earth System Models

Ecosystem structure predicts a wide range of ecological functions. Understanding of structure-function interactions is fundamental to ecosystem science, yet is often represented inaccurately in Earth system models. Canopy physical structure -- leaf quantity and arrangement -- strongly affects light interception and distribution. While the quantity of leaf area in forest canopies is a well-recognized driver of forest carbon dynamics, arrangement of leaf area may be equally important. Ongoing research demonstrates that canopy structure drives primary production across a wide range of forest types, indicating potential to improve Earth system models by incorporating increasingly accurate representations of forest canopy structure.