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The ecological and evolutionary consequences of tropicalisation
Karolina M Zarzyczny1, Marc Rius2, Suzanne T Williams3
1School of Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK; Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|November 29, 2023
Summary
Climate change is causing marine tropicalisation, where tropical species expand their range and temperate species retract. This phenomenon impacts ecosystems and may drive evolutionary changes, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Climate Change Ecology
- Oceanography
Background:
- Marine tropicalisation is a global phenomenon driven by climate change.
- It involves the expansion of tropical/subtropical species and the contraction of temperate species.
- This shift occurs in tropical/temperate transition zones and temperate regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the ecological and potential evolutionary consequences of marine tropicalisation.
- To highlight the need for further research into the impacts of tropicalisation.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of current understanding and emerging evidence on tropicalisation.
- It synthesizes findings from various marine ecological and evolutionary studies.
Main Results:
- Ecological impacts include altered species behavior and ecosystem phase shifts.
- Emerging evidence suggests tropicalisation can induce phenotypic and genotypic changes.
- The rate of climate change is accelerating these shifts globally.
Conclusions:
- Marine tropicalisation has significant ecological consequences, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
- Evolutionary consequences, including phenotypic and genotypic shifts, are increasingly recognized.
- Urgent research is needed on ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and socioeconomic impacts of tropicalisation.
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