Species richness changes lag behind climate change

Author
Menéndez Rosa
González-Megías Adela
Hill Jane K.
Braschler Brigitte
Willis Stephen G.
Collingham Yvonne C.
Fox Richard
Roy D. B.
Thomas Chris D.
Keywords
Abstract

<p>Species-energy theory indicates that recent climate warming should have driven increases in species richness in cool and species-poor parts of the Northern Hemisphere. We confirm that the average species richness of British butterflies has increased since 1970–82, but much more slowly than predicted from changes of climate: on average, only one-third of the predicted increase has taken place. The resultant species assemblages are increasingly dominated by generalist species that were able to respond quickly. The time lag is confirmed by the successful introduction of many species to climatically suitable areas beyond their ranges. Our results imply that it may be decades or centuries before the species richness and composition of biological communities adjusts to the current climate.</p>

Year of Publication
2006
Journal
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Volume
273
Issue
1593
Number of Pages
1465-1470
Date Published
06/2006
ISBN Number
0962-8452, 1471-2954
DOI
10.1098/rspb.2006.3484
Short Title
Proc. R. Soc. B
Download citation