In situ warming in the Antarctic: effects on growth and photosynthesis in Antarctic vascular plants

What is it about?

Antarctic vascular plants occurs exclusively in ice-free areas that cover less than 1% of the Antarctic continent. Climate change have alter the ecosystems of these areas, including the plant’s abundance and distribution. Although recent climatic evidence supports a new tendency of climate stabilization, yet the impacts on the biosphere are increasing and the physiological effects remain unclear. Here we quantify the impact of in situ warming on growth and photosynthesis of the only two native Antarctic vascular species. Our results show that increasing temperature triggered a specific differential response between Antarctic species, where C. quitensis is rapidly and positively affected by warming, while D. antarctica maintains its traits, showing to be more resilient. However, both species show a causal link among anatomical and chemical adjustment, mesophyll conductance, CO2 assimilation, and growth. Our study provide useful information related to the direct consequences of climate change in Antarctica, which can facilitate ecological prediction about this ecosystem.

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