Open AccessSpecies interactions involving cushion plants in high-elevation environments under a changing climate
Author(s) -
Francisco I. Pugnaire,
Gianalberto Losapio,
Christian Schöb
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
ecosistemas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.182
H-Index - 6
ISSN - 1697-2473
DOI - 10.7818/ecos.2186
Subject(s) - ecology , ecosystem , species richness , climate change , niche , global warming , mediterranean climate , range (aeronautics) , biodiversity , plant community , species distribution , environmental science , global change , biology , geography , habitat , materials science , composite material
The effects of global warming are stronger in high-elevation environments than elsewhere. Here, we review recent advances in alpine plant ecology with a focus on dry mountain ranges, mainly in Mediterranean-type climate, with a global change perspective. Raising temperatures and changes in precipitation influence both plant growth and reproduction, and therefore the spatial distribution of species. Research in high-elevation systems evidenced that plant–plant interactions involving cushion plants play a crucial role in the assembly of plant communities, influencing species richness, genetic and phylogenetic diversity, and species persistence. By buffering environmental extremes and ameliorating biophysical conditions, cushion plant species acting as ecosystem engineers are fundamental in the response of alpine ecosystems to global warming, mitigating negative impacts on different plant species with narrow niche and small distribution range.