Recent research shows that the dominance of evergreen species in nutrient-poor environments can be explained by their low nutrient loss rates. From this work It appears that the plant traits that are associated with low nutrient loss rates lead to low maximum-dry-matter production and to low rates of litter decomposition. This suggests a positive feedback between the evergreen habit and low nutrient availability. The growth characteristics of evergreens lead to a low responsiveness to environmental changes. As a result, global warming may lead to changes in the distribution of evergreens.