Chapters authored
Ecological Responses to Climate Change at Biogeographical Boundaries
Temporal and spatial biogeographical boundaries are usually associated with extinction processes. However, some boundary regions seem to be places of speciation. It is unclear if boundaries are favored by generalized or specialized species. Recent studies suggest that narrow-ranging species can be strong competitors and they can replace wide-ranging species while shifting their range boundaries under the effect of climate change. In other boundary regions, the decline of both passive- and active-dispersing specialists has been observed. Core regions are also weakening. They are jeopardized mainly by extreme climate events and fragmentation and by the accompanied non-native invasions. Biodiversity loss and homogenization have been observed globally.
Part of the book: Pure and Applied Biogeography
Characteristics of Collapsing Ecosystems and Main Factors of Collapses
The synergistic effects of direct human perturbations and climate change have been causing the mass extinction of species. Here, I present the deterministic factors of collapses in present ecosystems. I captured and synthesized the key deterministic traits and processes before a collapse in the peer-reviewed literature. The results of the literature review show that deterministic factors can be used as early warning signals of collapses. The literature also suggests that we have entered the middle stage of global mass extinction, which may be irreversible.
Part of the book: Ecosystem Services and Global Ecology