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Habitat area and climate stability determine geographical variation in plant species range sizes
Author(s) -
MoruetaHolme Naia,
Enquist Brian J.,
McGill Brian J.,
Boyle Brad,
Jørgensen Peter M.,
Ott Jeffrey E.,
Peet Robert K.,
Šímová Irena,
Sloat Lindsey L.,
Thiers Barbara,
Violle Cyrille,
Wiser Susan K.,
Dolins Steven,
Donoghue John C.,
Kraft Nathan J. B.,
Regetz Jim,
Schildhauer Mark,
Spencer Nick,
Svenning JensChristian
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
ecology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.852
H-Index - 265
eISSN - 1461-0248
pISSN - 1461-023X
DOI - 10.1111/ele.12184
Subject(s) - biodiversity , habitat , range (aeronautics) , ecology , rainforest , climate change , habitat destruction , geography , global biodiversity , biology , materials science , composite material
Despite being a fundamental aspect of biodiversity, little is known about what controls species range sizes. This is especially the case for hyperdiverse organisms such as plants. We use the largest botanical data set assembled to date to quantify geographical variation in range size for ~ 85 000 plant species across the New World. We assess prominent hypothesised range‐size controls, finding that plant range sizes are codetermined by habitat area and long‐ and short‐term climate stability. Strong short‐ and long‐term climate instability in large parts of North America, including past glaciations, are associated with broad‐ranged species. In contrast, small habitat areas and a stable climate characterise areas with high concentrations of small‐ranged species in the Andes, Central America and the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest region. The joint roles of area and climate stability strengthen concerns over the potential effects of future climate change and habitat loss on biodiversity.