Journal Article

CAMBIO CLIMATICO Y AMNIOTAS MARINOS: EVIDENCIAS, HIPoTESIS E INCERTIDUMBRE

Lluch-Cota, Salvador Emilio, del Monte-Luna, Pablo

2013

Overview

Marine ecosystems are already responding to climate change, with examples found in virtually all of the world's oceans. Although there is not a singular response of marine amniotes to climate change, individual observations indicate three kinds of interrelated responses of marine amniotes: distribution shifts (geographic ranges), phenological changes (timing of seasonal activities) and inter-specific interactions including competition between species and the predator-prey system dynamics. If global sea temperature increases in the future, the expected patterns are that, tropical marine amniotes species will extend their ranges and temperate ones will move to higher latitudes; reproductive events will occur earlier and migratory timing will show delays; and the trophic breath of some organisms will progressively change, particularly in low trophic species. It is expected that, strict polar and endemic species will be the most affected by climate change. However, confidence levels in that such patterns will be fulfilled are low, as they are not a univocal response to climate change.

• Subject: Amniota