From plants to animals, from deserts to oceans: life on earth can follow a simple and universal rule.
A new study, on June 4 in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that this unique rule concentrates biodiversity in specific areas, with fewer and less species as we move away from these central zones.
O Standard manifests globally In more than 30,000 species of terrestrial and marine vertebrates, invertebrates and plants, the investigators say – that nickname the phenomenon of “Environmental Filtering”. Only species capable of tolerating specific local conditions can survive and prosper, thus organizing life in predictable space-“to some extent.”
“In all bioregions, there is always a central area where most species live. From this central area, species expand to surrounding areas, but only a subset can persist. It seems that these central areas provide ideal conditions for the survival and diversification of species, acting as a source from which biodiversity radiates abroad,” the main author explains Rubén Bernardo Madrid, quoted by.
Despite climate, geographical and evolutionary differences, the same pattern was observed worldwide. “It doesn’t matter if the limiting factor is heat, cold, drought or salinity. The result is always the same: only species capable of tolerating local conditions are established and persisting, creating a predictable distribution of life on earth,” said Manuela González-Suárez.
Researchers argue that these findings have important implications for conservation. Since biodiversity nuclei have a disproportionate influence on surrounding areas, prioritizing them in environmental protection strategies could significantly improve conservation efforts.
