Abstract
Aim Natural disturbances are intensifying under global change, yet a global synthesis of their effects on forest structure and composition remains lacking. We aimed to assess the prevalence of structural versus compositional changes and to identify common post‐disturbance reorganisation pathways across forest biomes. Time Period 1980–2023. Location Global. Taxa Studied Forest tree species. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of 159 studies reporting pre‐ and post‐disturbance forest structure and composition (i.e., mainly from fires, insect outbreaks and windthrow). We quantified structural and compositional changes by disturbance agent, biome, severity, study method and time since disturbance. We subsequently classified post‐disturbance trajectories into four pathways: self‐replacement, relay succession, novelty, and delayed regeneration. Results Most studies on post‐disturbance forest development focused on temperate forests and fire, with structural change being more common than compositional change. Knowledge of post‐disturbance trajectories is largely dominated by short‐term studies, revealing a critical gap in understanding long‐term post‐disturbance trajectories. Self‐replacement is common across biomes, suggesting that disturbances act as catalysts of change only under specific conditions. Relay succession is a prevalent post‐disturbance development pathway in boreal forests, delayed regeneration in temperate broadleaved and mixed forests, and post‐disturbance novelty occurs in temperate, Mediterranean and tropical regions. Main Conclusions As disturbances continue to change, the emerging novel disturbance regimes could alter prevailing reorganisation pathways. Understanding post‐disturbance forest reorganisation is thus critical for forest management and conservation in an era of global change.