October 1, 2011

Climate change will show which animals can take the heat

As climate change continues to take hold this century, which species will be able to take the heat? Researchers at Brown University, in simulations examining species and their projected range, show that animals' ability to withstand fluctuations in temperature during their climate-induced journeys will be a crucial determinant of their ultimate survival.
In a new study based on simulations examining species and their projected range, researchers at Brown University argue that whether an animal can make it to a final, climate-friendly destination isn't a simple matter of being able to travel a long way. It’s the extent to which the creatures can withstand rapid fluctuations in climate along the way that will determine whether they complete the journey.

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