Moving up and over: redistribution of plants in alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic ecosystems under global change
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Date
2020-01-01
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Extreme abiotic conditions, geographic isolation, and low levels of disturbance have historically provided alpine, Arctic, and Antarctic regions with low input of and relative resistance to the introduction of new species. However, the climate is warming rapidly, concomitant with intense and diversified types of human influence in these cold environments. Consequently, many plant species, both native and nonnative, are now moving or expanding their ranges to higher elevations and latitudes, creating new species interactions and assemblages that challenge biodiversity conservation. Based on our synthesis, many of the same nonnative species invade multiple cold environments, and many more could move up or over from adjoining warmer areas. Transportation networks and the disturbances associated with burgeoning development are responsible for many movements. Prevention and monitoring for nonnative plant species is of paramount importance, and management should be directed toward species that negatively impact ecosystem function or human well-being. Management of native range shifters is more complicated; most movements will be desirable, but some may be locally undesirable. Overall, plant movements into alpine, arctic, and Antarctic areas are going to increase, and management will need to be adaptive because species movements and assemblages of the past will not reflect those of the future.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
52 (1)
Pages / Article No.
651 - 665
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Climate change; Invasive species; Range expansion; Mountains; Arctic; Antarctic
Organisational unit
09666 - Alexander, Jake (ehemalig) / Alexander, Jake (former)
Notes
Funding
678841 - Novel`interactions and species’ responses to climate change (EC)