17 June 2014

Better forecasts of range dynamics using genetic data

Historical context is crucial for understanding patterns and processes of biodiversity. Disregarding or misinterpreting biotic responses to past environmental changes could impede our understanding of future ecological dynamics under global change and make accurate predictions and effective solutions difficult to formulate.

In many cases, the population history of species past responses to environmental changes are imprinted in their genes, but these data have not been exploited effectively to improve forecasts of species responses to climate change.

In this opinion piece in TREE, David Nogues-Bravo, Damien Fordham and co-authors argue for the better use of ancient, historical, and contemporary genetic clues when constructing and validating models used to forecast climate change impacts on biodiversity.

The use of these multidisciplinary methods will help conservation scientists to better connect theory to the on-ground design and implementation of effective measures to protect biodiversity.

Published in TREE by David Nogues-Bravo, Damien Fordham and co-authors.

Link to article (requires KU-user access to Science Direct)