The study, published in Nature, reveals that the vast majority of plants from European woodlands are dispersed by birds migrating to warmer latitudes in the south, while far fewer are dispersed by birds migrating north.
The study, published in Nature, reveals that the vast majority of plants from European woodlands are dispersed by birds migrating to warmer latitudes in the south, while far fewer are dispersed by birds migrating north.
As a consequence of global warming, the optimal climatic conditions of species are moving towards cooler latitudes, forcing the redistribution of life on Earth.
Mobility allows many animals to reach new areas with a suitable climate.
However, movement of plant species depends on the dispersal of their seeds at long distances.
The new study, by 18 researchers from 13 European institutions, says the trend for southwards dispersal by migratory birds is counterproductive if plants are to adapt to climate change.
“Contemporary climate change is so fast that many plants require dispersal distances far beyond those that normally take place locally," said lead author Juan Pedro González-Varo, of the University of Cádiz.
Read more at: University of Exeter
A song thrush eating holly fruits. The long fruiting period of hollies from autumn to late winter overlaps with the northward migration of song thrushes and, therefore, these have the potential to disperse holly seeds at long distances towards cooler latitudes. (Photo Credit: David Chapman)
