Study of the distribution of forest plant species in Europe
An international team of scientists analyzed distribution of 266 European forest plant species over a period of 84 years. In fact the study covered 3,000 forest sites located, among others, in the Białowieża Forest in Poland and in the forests of Brandenburg (Germany).
Surprising directions of migration of forest plants
Scientists have calculated that European forest plants they move theirs geographic ranges with an average speed of 3.56 km per yeare.
At the same time, approximately 39 percent species it moved westand only 15 percent north. This means westward migration was 2.6 times more likely. “This contradicts the common assumption that the rise in temperature caused climate change prompts many species to moving to colder regions in the north” – wrote the scientists.
Human factors influencing plant migration
At the same time, scientists believe that this phenomenon can be explained human-induced environmental changes.
“Many European forest plants tend to migrate west – following areas of o high concentration of nitrogen in the soil. This happens as a result of industrial activities, road traffic and human use of land,” the researchers said.
The importance of research on changes in species ranges for biodiversity conservation
“Currently, the climate is changing at such an unprecedented pace that understanding the mechanisms responsible for the speed and direction of changes in the range of species is extremely important. It allows understand the evolution of biodiversity and can contribute to ensuring its effective protection,” says Prof. Bogdan Jaroszewicz from the Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw and an employee of the Białowieża Geobotanical Station, quoted on the University of Warsaw website.
The study results were published in Science (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado0878). (PAP)
Author: Urszula Kaczorowska
