Scientists Study How Lizard Species Adapts to Climate Change
A new study found lizard species that deal with a diverse array of weather conditions are better equipped to handle climate change.
The conclusion is based on a concept known as the Rapoport's rule, which proposes the latitudinal ranges of plants and animals are larger at higher altitudes. The thinking goes that weather variability is greater at higher altitudes, and so species that thrive there are able to adapt to a wider range of ecological conditions.
The concept is controversial, but scientists at James Cook University say their analysis of Australian lizard species supports the theory.
Jim Skea