Article
Ecology
Rafael A. Sara-Resendiz, Donald B. Miles, Philip C. Rosen, Barry Sinervo
Summary: Thermal constraints imposed by the environment limit the activity time of ectotherms, and assessing these restrictions is crucial for understanding species vulnerability and developing conservation strategies. In this study, we created a tortoise model to examine thermal constraints at different scales and projected the impacts of climate change. The results revealed variations in the activity time of the tortoise throughout the year and among years, and predicted increased vulnerability under a pessimistic climate change scenario.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Severin Biaou, Gerard Nounagnon Gouwakinnou, Florent Noulekoun, Kolawole Valere Salako, Jesugnon Marie Reine Houndjo Kpoviwanou, Thierry Dehouegnon Houehanou, Honore Samadori Sorotori Biaou
Summary: Climate change is expected to have an impact on species distribution globally. The current evaluation methods assume that species respond uniformly to environmental changes along their distribution range, but populations occupying different niches may respond differently due to local adaptation. Therefore, incorporating intraspecific variation into species distribution models can result in more reliable predictions.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Larissa Nowak, Matthias Schleuning, Irene M. A. Bender, W. Daniel Kissling, Susanne A. Fritz
Summary: This study investigates the variation of species' sensitivity to climate change and trait-based adaptive capacity along an elevational gradient, finding that different mechanisms might operate in lowland and highland assemblages. The independent variation of sensitivity and adaptive capacity suggests that assessing both dimensions is crucial for understanding the potential impacts of climate change on diverse species assemblages.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Guillermo Garcia-Costoya, Claire E. E. Williams, Trevor M. M. Faske, Jacob D. D. Moorman, Michael L. L. Logan
Summary: Mounting evidence suggests that rapid evolutionary adaptation can rescue organisms from climate change impacts, but evolutionary constraints may hinder this process. Genetic correlations underlying thermal physiology can influence population dynamics under climate change, with declines in population size varying depending on the type of correlation present. Surprisingly, populations constrained by genetic correlations may decline less rapidly than unconstrained populations. Understanding the genetic architecture of selected traits is crucial for accurate forecasts of climate change impact on ectotherms.
Article
Ecology
Katharine Keogan, Francis Daunt, Sarah Wanless, Richard A. Phillips, David Alvarez, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Robert T. Barrett, Claus Bech, Peter H. Becker, Per-Arvid Berglund, Sandra Bouwhuis, Zofia M. Burr, Olivier Chastel, Signe Christensen-Dalsgaard, Sebastien Descamps, Tony Diamond, Kyle Elliott, Kjell-Einar Erikstad, Mike Harris, Jonas Hentati-Sundberg, Martin Heubeck, Stephen W. Kress, Magdalene Langset, Svein-Hakon Lorentsen, Heather L. Major, Mark Mallory, Mick Mellor, Will T. S. Miles, Borge Moe, Carolyn Mostello, Mark Newell, Ian Nisbet, Tone Kirstin Reiertsen, Jennifer Rock, Paula Shannon, Oystein Varpe, Sue Lewis, Albert B. Phillimore
Summary: This study investigates the shared phenological responses to environmental drivers among different seabird populations. The results show that populations of different species sharing the same breeding site or small-scale breeding region have positively correlated laying dates, suggesting shared phenological responses to the same environmental conditions. However, no positive phenological covariation was found among populations across species at larger spatial scales. The study also highlights the idiosyncratic responses of populations to local environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Vanessa De Santis, Catherine Gutmann Roberts, J. Robert Britton
Summary: Determining the impacts of intra- and inter-specific competition in freshwater ecosystems is crucial for understanding ecological changes. This study showed that increased intra-specific competition led to slower growth rates in fish, while inter-specific competition resulted in smaller trophic niche sizes. The results indicate that different types of competition can have varying effects on fish development and feeding habits.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Yongxiao Liang, Nathan P. Gillett, Adam H. Monahan
Summary: This study investigates the use of cloud properties to constrain future climate warming and develops a multivariate linear regression model. The results show that using cloud metrics as constraints produces more accurate projections of climate warming compared to unconstrained simulations. Additionally, evidence is provided for a higher lower bound of the projected warming range than previously thought.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Samuel Barton, Daniel Padfield, Abigail Masterson, Angus Buckling, Nicholas Smirnoff, Gabriel Yvon-Durocher
Summary: Several experimental studies have shown that phytoplankton can adapt rapidly to warmed environments. However, these studies often use different experimental techniques, limiting our ability to compare thermal adaptation across different species. In this study, simultaneous long-term warming experiments were conducted on three phylogenetically diverse species of marine phytoplankton, revealing varying levels of thermal adaptation. Synechococcus sp. displayed the greatest improvement in fitness and thermal tolerance, Ostreococcus tauri showed some improvement but to a lesser extent, and Phaeodoactylum tricornutum showed no signs of adaptation. These findings can enhance our understanding of how phytoplankton communities may change in response to warming and the potential biogeochemical implications.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eric A. Riddell, Marko Mutanen, Cameron K. Ghalambor
Summary: Species' thermal tolerances are influenced by the hydric environment. As environments become hotter and drier, reducing water loss may lead to lower thermal tolerances. The correlation between water loss rate and CTmax suggests the need for a whole-organism perspective in studying thermal tolerances. Rating: 8 out of 10.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Luis Enrique Angeles-Gonzalez, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Carlos Yanez-Arenas, Ivan Velazquez-Abunader, Jorge A. Lopez-Rocha, Josymar Torrejon-Magallanes, Carlos Rosas
Summary: This study used two niche models to predict the suitability and distribution of the red octopus in the Yucatan Peninsula under different climate change scenarios. The results suggest that the suitability of the red octopus may be slightly reduced in the future, with potential impacts on fisheries in the region.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Breanna F. Powers, Jason M. Winiarski, Juan M. Requena-Mullor, Julie A. Heath
Summary: This study focused on the American Kestrel species and found that migration distance and spring temperatures affect arrival dates at breeding grounds. Short-distance migrants are better at adjusting to breeding ground conditions, while long-distance migrants may be more vulnerable to changes in spring conditions.
Article
Agronomy
Radovan Coufal, Petra Hajkova, Michal Hajek, Martin Jirousek, Marek Polasek, Veronika Horsakova, Michal Horsak
Summary: This study investigates the influence of groundwater on the composition of minerotrophic fens in the Western Carpathians. The results show that water table depth and soil temperature are the major factors affecting species composition, with soil temperature having a significant effect on bryophytes and vascular plants. This highlights the importance of soil temperature in vegetation variation in groundwater-dependent fens.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Linjie Li, Linlin Zhao, Jinbo Fu, Bin Sun, Changdong Liu
Summary: Studies have emphasized the significance of incorporating intraspecific genetic variation in predicting habitat suitability of Pacific cod under climate change scenarios. There is marked niche differentiation between the two populations of Pacific cod, with different responses to climate predictors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alexa Fredston, Malin Pinsky, Rebecca L. Selden, Cody Szuwalski, James T. Thorson, Steven D. Gaines, Benjamin S. Halpern
Summary: By studying the range edge positions of 165 marine fish and invertebrates, it was found that the majority of edges maintained their edge thermal niche over time. However, some edges did not shift, shifted more than predicted, or shifted in the opposite direction, highlighting the multiple factors driving changes in range edge positions.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jakop Schwoerbel, Wouter Visch, Jeffrey T. Wright, Alecia Bellgrove, J. Craig Sanderson, Catriona L. Hurd
Summary: Rapid ocean warming is impacting kelp forests globally. This study examined the thermal tolerance of Ecklonia radiata gametophytes and found that growth and survival had stable thermal optima while development and fertilization were limited to specific temperature ranges. The results highlight the complex effects of source population and season on gametophyte performance, with implications for the persistence and recruitment of E. radiata in a warmer climate.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Sonya R. Geange, Pieter A. Arnold, Alexandra A. Catling, Onoriode Coast, Alicia M. Cook, Kelli M. Gowland, Andrea Leigh, Rocco F. Notarnicola, Bradley C. Posch, Susanna E. Venn, Lingling Zhu, Adrienne B. Nicotra
Summary: Understanding plant thermal tolerance is crucial for predicting impacts of extreme temperature events, and setting research priorities in this area can stimulate efficient, reliable and repeatable research.
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)
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)