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1 March 2007 Forecasting the Effects of Global Warming on Biodiversity
DANIEL B. BOTKIN, HENRIK SAXE, MIGUEL B. ARAÚJO, RICHARD BETTS, RICHARD H. W. BRADSHAW, TOMAS CEDHAGEN, PETER CHESSON, TERRY P. DAWSON, JULIE R. ETTERSON, DANIEL P. FAITH, SIMON FERRIER, ANTOINE GUISAN, ANJA SKJOLDBORG HANSEN, DAVID W. HILBERT, CRAIG LOEHLE, CHRIS MARGULES, MARK NEW, MATTHEW J. SOBEL, DAVID R. B. STOCKWELL
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The demand for accurate forecasting of the effects of global warming on biodiversity is growing, but current methods for forecasting have limitations. In this article, we compare and discuss the different uses of four forecasting methods: (1) models that consider species individually, (2) niche-theory models that group species by habitat (more specifically, by environmental conditions under which a species can persist or does persist), (3) general circulation models and coupled ocean–atmosphere–biosphere models, and (4) species–area curve models that consider all species or large aggregates of species. After outlining the different uses and limitations of these methods, we make eight primary suggestions for improving forecasts. We find that greater use of the fossil record and of modern genetic studies would improve forecasting methods. We note a Quaternary conundrum: While current empirical and theoretical ecological results suggest that many species could be at risk from global warming, during the recent ice ages surprisingly few species became extinct. The potential resolution of this conundrum gives insights into the requirements for more accurate and reliable forecasting. Our eight suggestions also point to constructive synergies in the solution to the different problems.

DANIEL B. BOTKIN, HENRIK SAXE, MIGUEL B. ARAÚJO, RICHARD BETTS, RICHARD H. W. BRADSHAW, TOMAS CEDHAGEN, PETER CHESSON, TERRY P. DAWSON, JULIE R. ETTERSON, DANIEL P. FAITH, SIMON FERRIER, ANTOINE GUISAN, ANJA SKJOLDBORG HANSEN, DAVID W. HILBERT, CRAIG LOEHLE, CHRIS MARGULES, MARK NEW, MATTHEW J. SOBEL, and DAVID R. B. STOCKWELL "Forecasting the Effects of Global Warming on Biodiversity," BioScience 57(3), 227-236, (1 March 2007). https://doi.org/10.1641/B570306
Published: 1 March 2007
KEYWORDS
biodiversity
forecasting
global warming
modeling
Quaternary conundrum
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