Effects of Climate Change on Lichens in the Alps
Author Information
Author(s): Chiara Vallese, Luca Di Nuzzo, Luana Francesconi, Paolo Giordani, Daniel Spitale, Renato Benesperi, Gabriele Gheza, Petra Mair, Juri Nascimbene
Primary Institution: University of Genova
Hypothesis
Siliceous bedrock provides more favorable conditions for terricolous lichens than carbonatic bedrock under climate change.
Conclusion
Terricolous lichen communities on carbonatic bedrock are more threatened by climate change than those on siliceous bedrock.
Supporting Evidence
- 63 species were found on carbonatic bedrock and 91 on siliceous bedrock.
- Species richness was significantly lower on carbonatic bedrock than on siliceous bedrock.
- The proportion of cryophilous species was significantly lower on carbonatic bedrock.
- Functional diversity was significantly lower on carbonatic bedrock.
Takeaway
This study shows that lichens living on certain types of rocks in the Alps are at risk from climate change, especially those on drier rocks.
Methodology
The study involved field surveys across 12 elevational transects, comparing lichen diversity on carbonatic and siliceous bedrock.
Limitations
The study may not have maximized species capture due to sampling constraints.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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