Climate is changing, are European bats too? A multispecies analysis of trends in body size.

ABSTRACT: Animal size, a trait sensitive to spatial and temporal variables, is a key element in ecological and evolutionary dynamics. In the context of climate change, there is evidence that some bat species are increasing their body size via phenotypic responses to higher temperatures at maternity roosts. To test the generality of this response, we conducted a >20-year study examining body size changes in 15 bat species in Italy, analysing data from 4393 individual bats captured since 1995. In addition to examining the temporal effect, we considered the potential influence of sexual dimorphism and, where relevant, included latitude and altitude as potential drivers of body size change. Contrary to initial predictions of a widespread increase in size, our findings challenge this assumption, revealin

SUBMITTER: Russo D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10850807 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature