Suchergebnisse

Global change has already had observable effects on ecosystems worldwide, and the accelerated rate of global change is predicted in the future. However, the impacts of global change on the stability of biodiversity have not been systematically studied in terms of both large spatial (continental drift) and temporal (from the last inter-glacial period to the next century) scales. Therefore, we analyzed the current geographical distribution pattern of Plecoptera, a thermally sensitive insect group, and evaluated its stability when coping with global change across both space and time throughout the Mediterranean region—one of the first 25 global biodiversity hotspots. Regional biodiversity of Plecoptera reflected the geography in both the historical movements of continents and the current environmental conditions in the western Mediterranean region. The similarity of Plecoptera assemblages between areas in this region indicated that the uplift of new land and continental drift were the primary determinants of the stability of regional biodiversity. Our results revealed that climate change caused the biodiversity of Plecoptera to slowly diminish in the past and will cause remarkably accelerated biodiversity loss in the future. These findings support the theory that climate change has had its greatest impact on biodiversity over a long temporal scale. ; This study was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant provided by the Korean government (MEST) (No. 2010-0027360).

The landmass on which we live is an integral part of our water catchment. Any human - tivity will inevitably have some consequences on the availability and composition of fresh waters. These consequences are becoming increasingly important and detectable as the - man population grows. The problem is to be addressed at the global scale, as frequently, decisions made have inter-regional and international impacts, and must therefore be coor- nated. In a number of European Member States, for example, the availability of water - sources depends on the activities of other upstream countries. The demand for fresh water in Europe, as well as in the world, is increasing. There is an upward pressure on European water demand for public supplies (drinking water, recreation, etc. ), for industry, and for - rigated agriculture. The ecological impacts of different uses are complex, and currently not always predictable. This book should help planners in their decisions on different water management options for human use. Water, of course, is not only relevant as a resource, exploited for human activities, but it is also relevant to aquatic ecosystems and to their quality. Preservation and restoration of the ecological quality of these ecosystems have a major social impact, as it has been stressed in several European Community actions.