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Biotic responses to climate extremes in terrestrial ecosystems
Madhav P Thakur1,2, Anita C Risch3, Wim H van der Putten2,4
1Institute of Ecology and Evolution and Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
Iscience
|July 5, 2022
Summary
Climate extremes negatively impact most species, but recovery is complex. Understanding species traits and interactions is key to predicting ecosystem resilience after extreme weather events.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Science
- Biodiversity Studies
Background:
- Anthropogenic climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of climate extremes.
- Climate extremes pose significant threats to biodiversity, though some species may benefit.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the broad ecological responses to various climate extremes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ecological responses of 16 major taxonomic/functional groups to extreme drought, precipitation, and temperature.
- To identify which groups are most vulnerable to climate extremes.
- To develop a framework for predicting ecological recovery post-climate extremes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of responses across 16 diverse taxonomic and functional groups.
- Synthesis of factors influencing ecological recovery.
Main Results:
- Most taxonomic/functional groups exhibit negative responses to climate extremes.
- Mosses, legumes, trees, and vertebrate predators show particularly severe negative impacts.
- Ecological recovery is difficult to predict solely based on immediate responses.
Conclusions:
- Terrestrial ecosystems face widespread negative impacts from climate extremes.
- Predicting recovery requires considering species traits, resource availability, and inter-species interactions.
- A conceptual framework is proposed to improve predictions of ecological resilience.
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