Terrestrial ecosystem responses to climate changes in the Antarctic

  • Peter Convey
Chapter

Abstract

Parts of Antarctica, particularly the Antarctic Peninsula region and sub-Antarctic Islands, are experiencing rapid changes in climate, particularly temperature, precipitation/hydration and irradiation, although it is becoming clear that many of these are driven by regional rather than global processes. Terrestrial ecosystems of this remote region provide a “natural experiment” in which to identify biological responses (at scales between cell biochemistry and whole ecosystem) to changing climate variables, both in isolation and combination. The conclusions drawn may be applied to more complex lower latitude ecosystems, where change is perceived to have more direct relevance to Mankind. This paper gives an overview of recent and continuing studies of Antarctic terrestrial biology, assessing these in the context of existing predictive literature. The importance of flexibility (physiological and ecological) and resilience of existing taxa in the face of change are highlighted. In the longterm, large-scale changes in ecosystem structure, complexity and diversity are likely as a consequence of long-distance colonisation by exotic species. However, in the shorter term, geographical isolation will limit responses to those of existing terrestrial biota. In contrast with some earlier predictions of wide-ranging deleterious effects, these now appear likely to be subtle and multifactorial in origin.

Keywords

Antarctic Peninsula Ozone Hole South Orkney Island Terrestrial Biota Subantarctic Island 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  • Peter Convey
    • 1
  1. 1.Natural Environment Research CouncilBritish Antarctic SurveyCambridgeUK

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