Abstract

Plant functional traits, the morphological, physiological, and phenological characteristics of plants, are critical in determining how plant species contribute to ecosystem services and respond to environmental changes. This manuscript explores the role of plant traits in maintaining ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil fertility, and biodiversity conservation. Understanding plant traits is essential for identifying species that are more resilient to climate change and land-use pressures, as well as for developing conservation strategies that enhance ecosystem stability. By examining the relationship between plant traits and ecosystem functions, this study highlights the importance of functional diversity in promoting ecosystem resilience and providing essential services. In particular, it emphasizes the role of specific traits such as drought tolerance, nitrogen fixation, leaf area index, and root architecture in influencing ecosystem processes. This work aims to bridge the gap between plant ecology and conservation management, providing practical insights for ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management in the face of global environmental change.