Trends and developments in thermal tolerance: A scientometric research study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Zoology
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Climate action is a key United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 13).
• Thermal tolerance is a proposed adaptation strategy for animals facing climate change impacts.
• No prior scientometric analysis has comprehensively reviewed thermal tolerance research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scientometric analysis of thermal tolerance research from 1970-2021.
• To identify current trends, development trajectories, and research hotspots in thermal tolerance.
• To provide insights for understanding and addressing climate change impacts on animals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized scientometric analysis techniques including frequency, co-occurrence, co-citation, clustering, and burst analysis.
• Employed CiteSpace software for data analysis.
• Reviewed 5243 studies published between 1970 and 2021.

Main Results:

• Significant growth observed in the volume of literature, citation frequency, and research focus areas over time.
• Susan Lindquist identified as the most influential author, and the Journal of Thermal Biology as the most influential journal.
• Key research clusters identified around oxygen consumption and heat shock proteins; climate change and temperature are prominent keywords.

Conclusions:

• Thermal tolerance research is a rapidly growing field, increasingly relevant due to climate change.
• The study highlights critical areas and influential contributors within thermal tolerance research.
• Understanding current trends in thermal tolerance, particularly for aquatic species, is vital for stakeholders.