Many species will be unable to adapt to rapid global warming.
Researchers compiled and analyzed the largest available database of heat tolerances for all types of organisms. They also studied how heat tolerance has evolved over time.
The study found that cold tolerance has evolved much faster that heat tolerance, particularly in mammals and birds, compared to reptiles, fishes plants.
Mammals and birds regulate their body temperature internally. Reptiles, fishes and plants use external heat sources to do so. Researchers think that heat tolerance has reached an evolutionary barrier. It is as if for some species, their ability to adapt to more heat has somehow stopped or drastically slowed down.
It means most species will be unable to adapt fast enough to unprecedented rates of global warming.
The study will help conservation managers create and protect areas that are refuges for biodiversity, protecting them from extreme high temperatures.
Original study:
Will climate change outpace species adaptation?
Original paper: