Multiscale climate change impacts on plant diversity in the Atacama Desert

• DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14583
• Publication Date: 2019-02-01T01:38:31Z
• Authors: Francisca P. Díaz; Claudio Latorre; Gabriela Carrasco...; Jamie R. Wood; Janet M. Wilmshurst; Daniela C. Soto; Theresa L. Cole; Rodrigo A. Gutiérrez
• Keywords: Pluvial

Abstract Comprehending ecological dynamics requires not only knowledge of modern communities but also detailed reconstructions ecosystem history. Ancient DNA (aDNA) metabarcoding allows biodiversity responses to major climatic change be explored at different spatial and temporal scales. We extracted aDNA preserved in fossil rodent middens reconstruct late Quaternary vegetation the hyperarid Atacama Desert. By comparing our paleo‐informed millennial record with contemporary observations interannual variations diversity, we show local plant behave differentially timescales. In (years decades) time frame, annual herbaceous expand contract their distributional ranges (emerging from persistent seed banks) response precipitation, whereas perennials distribution appears extraordinarily resilient. contrast, longer timescales (thousands years) many perennial species were displaced up 1,000 m downslope during pluvial events. Given ongoing future natural anthropogenically induced climate change, results provide baselines for Desert, help inform how these other high mountain may respond fluctuations future.