A Pleistocene legacy structures variation in modern seagrass ecosystems.

ABSTRACT: Distribution of Earth's biomes is structured by the match between climate and plant traits, which in turn shape associated communities and ecosystem processes and services. However, that climate-trait match can be disrupted by historical events, with lasting ecosystem impacts. As Earth's environment changes faster than at any time in human history, critical questions are whether and how organismal traits and ecosystems can adjust to altered conditions. We quantified the relative importance of current environmental forcing versus evolutionary history in shaping the growth form (stature and biomass) and associated community of eelgrass (Zostera marina), a widespread foundation plant of marine ecosystems along Northern Hemisphere coastlines, which experienced major shifts in distributi

SUBMITTER: Duffy JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9371661 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature