Experimental Macroecology: Effects of Temperature on Biodiversity

The acknowledgement of biodiversity gradients, such as the latitudinal gradient, pre-date modern ecology, however the cause(s) of this pervasive pattern remain elusive and controversial. The patterns of diversity--latitude and elevation on land and latitude and depth in aquatic environments--are strongly related to environmental temperature. By focusing on temperature, we aim to better understand its role in generating and maintaining biodiversity and to more accurately forecast the impacts of global warming by developing a robust theoretical framework.