Review
Plant Sciences
Jeronimo Vazquez-Ramirez, Susanna E. Venn
Summary: The study synthesizes the effects of climate change on early life-history stages of high altitude and high latitude plants, highlighting potential impacts on seed germination and seedling establishment. While there is variability in methods and studied species across the literature, the analysis reveals patterns and gaps in knowledge, indicating a need for further research to understand the impacts of climate change on reproductive processes of plants in these environments.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Mohl, Raphael S. von Buren, Erika Hiltbrunner
Summary: A study found that although the potential growing season length increases due to climate warming, the growth period in alpine grasslands does not extend even with a prolonged growing season, but instead promotes the growth of species with less strict phenology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Na Wang, Zhonghua Zhang, Wenhua Xu, Huakun Zhou, Rongchun Ning
Summary: This article mainly introduces the characteristics and functions of Kobresia, analyzes the factors that lead to low germination rate of Kobresia seeds, and proposes methods to alleviate dormancy. The article provides suggestions for future research, aiming to provide information support for planting Kobresia and theoretical and technical guidance for ecosystem restoration and livestock development.
Review
Plant Sciences
Galina Smolikova, Ksenia Strygina, Ekaterina Krylova, Tatiana Leonova, Andrej Frolov, Elena Khlestkina, Sergei Medvedev
Summary: The transition from seed to seedling is a critical developmental step in plants, involving massive rearrangements of gene expression programs and signaling pathways. Hormonal balance and gene regulation play key roles in this process, with abscisic acid and gibberellins being major players.
Article
Plant Sciences
D. M. Buonaiuto, E. M. Wolkovich
Summary: Invasive plants with rapid germination have a competitive advantage over slower germinating natives, especially when climate change induces shifts in germination phenology. However, the relative importance of rapid germination compared to other competitive traits is unclear. Differences in climate sensitivity can mediate the link between germination phenology and competitive success of invasives, and climate change may exacerbate these differences. Understanding the relationship between germination dynamics, competition, and environmental variation is essential for predicting climate change impacts and incorporating phenological diversity in ecological restorations.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eduardo Lastrada, Julio Garzon-Roca, Guillermo Cobos, Francisco Javier Torrijo
Summary: Climate change is expected to impact snow events in Spain, potentially leading to increased flooding episodes and shorter duration of snow bulk reserves, requiring the development of new adaptation measures.
Article
Ornithology
Martha Maria Sander, Susanne Jahnig, Simeon Lisovski, Camille Mermillon, Riccardo Alba, Domenico Rosselli, Dan Chamberlain
Summary: Climate change affects the advancement of spring conditions, impacting the reproductive output and nest survival probability of migratory birds breeding in alpine habitats. Breeding early is generally advantageous in terms of chick quality, but carries a higher risk of nest failure in early springs and early in the season. However, climate change may disrupt this trade-off and threaten migratory alpine birds.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jarrod Kath, Vivekananda Mittahalli Byrareddy, Kathryn Reardon-Smith, Shahbaz Mushtaq
Summary: A study found that climate change-induced early flowering alters the sensitivity of plants to climate stress and affects crop yield. The study also highlights the importance of considering changes in plant phenology when predicting crop yield.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Tao Zhang, Yuanyuan Tang, Mingjie Xu, Guang Zhao, Nan Cong, Zhoutao Zheng, Juntao Zhu, Ben Niu, Zhi Chen, Yangjian Zhang, Ning Chen, Yongtao He, Guirui Yu
Summary: The alpine ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are highly sensitive to climate change, with temperature and precipitation patterns playing a significant role in the productivity and carbon balances of these ecosystems. A study was conducted to determine the main factors influencing interannual variability (IAV) in gross primary productivity (GPP) and the pathways through which they operate. The study found that temperature controlled growing season length (GSL), while water conditions dominated variations in maximum photosynthetic capacity (GPPmax) across temperature- and waterlimited alpine ecosystems. Soil water content (SWC) was identified as the main factor influencing GPPmax variations, explaining 89% of the variation. Furthermore, GPPmax was robust in explaining IAV in GPP, accounting for 94% of the annual variation. Climate change is expected to drive IAV in GPP through the pathway of SWC -* GPPmax -* annual GPP on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Additionally, the combination of GPPmax and GSL (GSL x GPPmax) could explain 99% of IAV in GPP, representing carbon uptake time and carbon sequestration capacity, respectively. The study provides a new perspective on the causes of IAV in GPP in alpine ecosystems, highlighting the dominant role of changing precipitation patterns under future climate change in affecting the carbon sink function of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
GLOBAL AND PLANETARY CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mingming Feng, Wenguang Zhang, Shaoqing Zhang, Zeyu Sun, Yang Li, Yiqiang Huang, Wenjuan Wang, Peng Qi, Yuanchun Zou, Ming Jiang
Summary: Snow is an important form of water storage in alpine watersheds, playing a crucial role in regional water balance. This study evaluated the contribution of snowmelt water to runoff in the Erdaobaihe River watershed of Changbai Mountains area, showing that snowmelt water contributes significantly to the total runoff. With climate change leading to shortened snowfall periods and increased extreme snowfall events in the region, these findings will be valuable for future water management strategies in alpine watersheds.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Susanna E. Venn, Haydn J. D. Thomas
Summary: Alpine snowbed communities are characterized by longer-lasting snow cover, with decomposition rates of plant litter influenced by snowmelt timing but primarily driven by litter quality rather than timing or seasonality. These findings enhance understanding of how changes in snowmelt timing can impact unique plant communities.
Article
Forestry
Szymon Jastrzebowski, Joanna Ukalska, Adam Guziejko, Radoslaw Puchalka
Summary: The study found that both current and future predicted winter warm spells have a negative impact on the early germination stage (GE and GC) of Douglas fir seeds, while they will not negatively affect the late germination stage (FGC).
Article
Engineering, Civil
Milad Nouri, Mehdi Homaee
Summary: The study in data-scarce snowy areas of Iran found that snow depth and snow cover duration are decreasing trends, mainly influenced by temperature warming. More humid regions experienced more significant reductions in snow depth, while colder regions had smaller decreases in snowy day to wet day.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peijun Ju, Wenchao Yan, Jianliang Liu, Xinwei Liu, Liangfeng Liu, Yixin He, Huai Chen
Summary: This study analyzed the variations in plant phenology in densely populated Chinese cities during the period of rapid urbanization. The results showed that temperature and precipitation had different effects on the length of the growing season, and urbanization patterns and economic development could influence plant phenology.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pieter A. Arnold, Shuo Wang, Alexandra A. Catling, Loeske E. B. Kruuk, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Climate change presents challenges for plants due to increased temperature exposure. Phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in plant responses. Different traits show different responses to temperature. Temperature affects plasticity in germination, leaf, physiology, and reproductive traits, and plasticity variation among family lines is related to fitness.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Fernandez-Pascual, Angelino Carta, Andrea Mondoni, Lohengrin A. Cavieres, Sergey Rosbakh, Susanna Venn, Annisa Satyanti, Lydia Guja, Veronica F. Briceno, Filip Vandelook, Efisio Mattana, Arne Saatkamp, Haiyan Bu, Karen Sommerville, Peter Poschlod, Kun Liu, Adrienne Nicotra, Borja Jimenez-Alfaro
Summary: Assumptions about the germination ecology of alpine plants are currently based on individual species and local studies, but a meta-analysis of primary data across four continents suggests that most alpine plants have similar seed germination patterns, with strong requirements for cold stratification and positive responses to temperature and light cues.
Article
Plant Sciences
Shuo Wang, Kelli M. Gowland, Loeske E. B. Kruuk, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Pieter A. Arnold
Summary: The study found that while parental warming slightly decreased germination rate, offspring warming greatly increased it. Spring-emerged seedlings grew slower than autumn-emerged seedlings, but were not detrimentally affected by warm offspring temperatures. Inbreeding magnified the negative effects of both parental and offspring warming in this species.
Article
Ecology
Rocco F. Notarnicola, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Loeske E. B. Kruuk, Pieter A. Arnold
Summary: Climate change poses a serious threat to biodiversity, especially in vulnerable environments like alpine systems. While some alpine plants show adaptation to warmer temperatures, there is still a lack of resilience to heatwaves.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Susanna E. Venn, Rachael V. Gallagher, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Through laboratory experiments, it was found that some alpine shrub species germinate well at high temperatures, while others are constrained by seed dormancy. Although the overall climate is becoming more suitable for shrubs in high-elevation areas, the microsite conditions affecting seed germination will play a critical role in shrub encroachment in alpine regions.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Carly N. Cook, Erik A. Beever, Lindsey L. Thurman, Laura M. Thompson, John E. Gross, Andrew R. Whiteley, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Jennifer A. Szymanski, Carlos A. Botero, Kimberly R. Hall, Ary A. Hoffmann, Gregor W. Schuurman, Carla M. Sgro
Summary: There is a need for conservation practitioners to assist biodiversity in adapting to environmental changes, with evolutionary biologists well-positioned to develop evidence-based management strategies. By promoting closer collaboration between conservation practitioners and evolutionary biologists, there is an opportunity to accelerate necessary changes in management practices. Evolutionary biologists can leverage lessons from other disciplines to drive effective knowledge exchange and contribute to the development of successful conservation practices.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
James S. Camac, Kate D. L. Umbers, John W. Morgan, Sonya R. Geange, Anca Hanea, Rachel A. Slatyer, Keith L. McDougall, Susanna E. Venn, Peter A. Vesk, Ary A. Hoffmann, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Conservation managers are facing challenges in making decisions to protect biodiversity in the Australian Alps due to climate change impacts. Expert predictions suggest that by 2050, most alpine vegetation communities will decrease in extent, while woodlands and heathlands are expected to increase. The responses of alpine plants vary greatly, while animal species are predicted to decline or remain stable.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Shuo Wang, Wei-Wei Feng, Ming-Chao Liu, Kai Huang, Pieter A. Arnold, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Yu-Long Feng
Summary: This study reveals that different estimators can lead to different rankings of plasticity between groups. The choice of estimator also affects the magnitude of inter-group plasticity differences. This finding highlights the importance of carefully selecting the estimator when comparing groups' plasticity.
Article
Ecology
Joshua A. Hodges, Jodi N. Price, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Lydia K. Guja
Summary: The critically endangered grasslands and grassy woodlands in south-eastern Australia have seen their area drastically reduced due to European land use. The use of smoke and heat cues can increase germination speed and percentage for the majority of grassy ecosystem species, which has positive implications for conservation and restoration efforts.
ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Christian Rixen, Sonja Wipf, Sabine B. Rumpf, Justyna Giejsztowt, Jules Millen, John W. Morgan, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Susanna Venn, Shengwei Zong, Katharine J. M. Dickinson, Gregoire T. Freschet, Claudia Kurzbock, Jin Li, Hongli Pan, Beat Pfund, Elena Quaglia, Xu Su, Wei Wang, Xiangtao Wang, Hang Yin, Julie R. Deslippe
Summary: Climate warming is causing the distributions of mountain plant species to shift to higher elevations, increasing pressure on cold-adapted plant species from lower elevation competitors. Intraspecific trait variation within a species can indicate its ability to adjust its anatomy and morphology to persist in a changing environment. Species from lower elevations and with larger range sizes show greater intraspecific trait variation, suggesting a greater ability to respond to environmental changes.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pieter A. Arnold, Shuo Wang, Alexandra A. Catling, Loeske E. B. Kruuk, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Climate change presents challenges for plants due to increased temperature exposure. Phenotypic plasticity plays an important role in plant responses. Different traits show different responses to temperature. Temperature affects plasticity in germination, leaf, physiology, and reproductive traits, and plasticity variation among family lines is related to fitness.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rocco F. Notarnicola, Adrienne B. Nicotra, Loeske E. B. Kruuk, Pieter A. Arnold
Summary: This study investigates the effects of climate warming on the trade-off between seed size and number in an alpine plant. The results show that warming during parental growth reduces both seed size and number, but does not affect germination. This highlights the detrimental effect of warming on parental fitness and the potential risk of climate change for alpine plant communities.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Adrienne B. Nicotra, Sonya R. Geange, Nur H. A. Bahar, Hannah Carle, Alexandra Catling, Andres Garcia, Rosalie J. Harris, Megan L. Head, Marvin Jin, Michael R. Whitehead, Hannah Zurcher, Elizabeth A. Beckmann
Summary: This paper discusses the design and evaluation of a two-week field course called Field Studies in Functional Ecology (FSFE). The course aims to help students master core content in functional ecology and develop skills necessary for their transition from student to scientist. The course structure includes group projects, data management and communication skills training, and scientific symposiums for result analysis and presentation. The course adopts an iterative cognitive apprenticeship model and incorporates workshops to teach students both hard and soft skills relevant to research and other careers. The effectiveness of the course is evaluated based on the students' understanding and application of ecological research skills, demonstrated through high-quality presentations and peer-reviewed publications. The authors outline the course structure and highlight its value in maximizing students' educational journey and developing tools for scientific application.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rosalie J. Harris, Callum Bryant, Melinda A. Coleman, Andrea Leigh, Veronica F. Briceno, Pieter A. Arnold, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Foundation seaweed species are declining and facing extinctions due to unstable sea surface temperatures. Existing methods for characterizing seaweed thermal tolerance are time-consuming and hinder comparisons between species. A new method using temperature-dependent fluorescence curves offers a high-throughput approach for rapidly assessing photosynthetic thermal tolerance of seaweeds.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Stephanie Courtney K. Jones, Sonya R. Geange, Anca Hanea, James Camac, Victoria Hemming, Ben Doobov, Andrea Leigh, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: This article introduces how IDEAcology aids in preparing for and implementing structured expert elicitation using the IDEA protocol. The IDEAcology interface is designed to be a central portal for scientists and practitioners to easily implement structured expert elicitation projects, while also facilitating data management.
METHODS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura M. M. Thompson, Lindsey L. L. Thurman, Carly N. N. Cook, Erik A. A. Beever, Carla M. M. Sgro, Andrew Battles, Carlos A. A. Botero, John E. E. Gross, Kimberly R. R. Hall, Andrew P. P. Hendry, Ary A. A. Hoffmann, Christopher Hoving, Olivia E. E. LeDee, Claudia Mengelt, Adrienne B. B. Nicotra, Robyn A. A. Niver, Felipe Perez-Jvostov, Rebecca M. M. Quinones, Gregor W. W. Schuurman, Michael K. K. Schwartz, Jennifer Szymanski, Andrew Whiteley
Summary: Resource managers have not often considered evolutionary dynamics in climate change adaptation strategies. This study aims to bridge the gap between research and management communities by identifying challenges and opportunities for using evidence from evolutionary science to enhance species' evolutionary potential. The study proposes additional attributes, beyond genetic diversity, for decision-making in the absence of genetic data and provides decision-making frameworks for comparing alternative strategies for supporting evolutionary potential.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)