Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages.
Details
Serval ID
serval:BIB_7EF595C8C2B5
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages.
Journal
Nature communications
ISSN
2041-1723 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
2041-1723
Publication state
Published
Issued date
13/03/2024
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
15
Number
1
Pages
2266
Language
english
Notes
Publication types: Journal Article
Publication Status: epublish
Publication Status: epublish
Abstract
As geographic distance increases, species assemblages become more distinct, defining global biogeographic realms with abrupt biogeographic boundaries. Yet, it remains largely unknown to what extent these realms may change because of human-mediated dispersal of species. Focusing on the distributions of 309 non-native ant species, we show that historical biogeographic patterns have already broken down into tropical versus non-tropical regions. Importantly, we demonstrate that these profound changes are not limited to the distribution patterns of non-native ants but fundamentally alter biogeographic boundaries of all ant biodiversity (13,774 species). In total, 52% of ant assemblages have become more similar, supporting a global trend of biotic homogenization. Strikingly, this trend was strongest on islands and in the tropics, which harbor some of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Overall, we show that the pervasive anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity override biogeographic patterns resulting from millions of years of evolution, and disproportionally affect particular regions.
Keywords
Animals, Humans, Ecosystem, Ants, Biodiversity
Pubmed
Open Access
Yes
Create date
18/03/2024 16:57
Last modification date
09/08/2024 15:01