Plant diversity dynamics over space and time in a warming Arctic
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60077344%3A_____%2F25%3A00646966" target="_blank" >RIV/60077344:_____/25:00646966 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08946-8" target="_blank" >https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08946-8</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08946-8" target="_blank" >10.1038/s41586-025-08946-8</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Plant diversity dynamics over space and time in a warming Arctic
Original language description
The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average1 and plant communities are responding through shifts in species abundance, composition and distribution2, 3-4. However, the direction and magnitude of local changes in plant diversity in the Arctic have not been quantified. Using a compilation of 42,234 records of 490 vascular plant species from 2,174 plots across the Arctic, here we quantified temporal changes in species richness and composition through repeat surveys between 1981 and 2022. We also identified the geographical, climatic and biotic drivers behind these changes. We found greater species richness at lower latitudes and warmer sites, but no indication that, on average, species richness had changed directionally over time. However, species turnover was widespread, with 59% of plots gaining and/or losing species. Proportions of species gains and losses were greater where temperatures had increased the most. Shrub expansion, particularly of erect shrubs, was associated with greater species losses and decreasing species richness. Despite changes in plant composition, Arctic plant communities did not become more similar to each other, suggesting no biotic homogenization so far. Overall, Arctic plant communities changed in richness and composition in different directions, with temperature and plant-plant interactions emerging as the main drivers of change. Our findings demonstrate how climate and biotic drivers can act in concert to alter plant composition, which could precede future biodiversity changes that are likely to affect ecosystem function, wildlife habitats and the livelihoods of Arctic peoples(5,6).
Czech name
—
Czech description
—
Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
—
OECD FORD branch
10619 - Biodiversity conservation
Result continuities
Project
—
Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Nature
ISSN
0028-0836
e-ISSN
1476-4687
Volume of the periodical
642
Issue of the periodical within the volume
8068
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
9
Pages from-to
653-661
UT code for WoS article
001479567000001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105003936705