Tracking tree tendencies
Climate change is expected to influence species distribution, especially at the edges of their latitudinal and altitudinal ranges. In order to conserve species and predict impacts of our changing climate, scientists need to better understand these changes in distribution. The EU-funded 'Can altitudinal data predict latitudinal responses of plants to climate change?' (ALT-LAT-RANGE) project investigated this phenomenon by studying two common European trees. Pinus sylvestris and Juniperus communis are both widely distributed European trees whose ranges are affected by climate change. Researchers first reviewed the demographics of both species across their longitudinal and altitudinal ranges, looking for changes in growth and distribution. ALT-LAT-RANGE found that in the south, populations are being displaced up the slopes (moving toward higher altitudes); both species are also moving northward. The project investigated physiological changes occurring in trees in response to climate change as well. This work found that trees from the southern range limit were better able to survive drier and harsher conditions. Most importantly, it also showed that, overall, species distribution is likely to move north in the decades to come. ALT-LAT-RANGE findings will be useful to scientists and conservationists fighting to protect European species and predict impacts of climate change across Europe.
Keywords
Tree species, climate change, species distribution, latitude, altitude, juniper, pine
