Recent spatial and temporal changes in body size of terrestrial vertebrates: probable causes and pitfalls.

摘要: Geographical and temporal variations in body size are common phenomena among organisms may evolve within a few years. We argue that acts much like barometer, fluctuating parallel with changes the relevant key predictor(s), geographical actually manifestations of same drivers. Frequently, principal predictors food availability during period growth ambient temperature, which often affects availability. Food depends on net primary productivity that, turn, is determined by climate weather (mainly temperature precipitation), these depend mainly solar radiation other activities. When above related to latitude have been interpreted as conforming Bergmann's rule, but many cases such interpretations should be viewed caution due interrelationships various environmental predictors. Recent global warming. However, not either and/or year, it task researcher determine particular predictor one determines and, size. The chance discerning significant change large extent sample (specimens/year). most recent probably phenotypic, there some they partly genetic.