Speaker
Description
Human activities have altered the composition of biotas worldwide by introducing non-native species, breaking down biogeographical boundaries. Using global distribution data of 279,437 native and 11,589 non-native seed plant species, we analyzed the impact of species introductions on natural biogeographic boundaries based on taxonomic and phylogenetic compositions of 548 regions. We found that the dispersal of non-native species reshaped natural biogeographical patterns, leading to a reduction of floristic kingdoms. Based on taxonomic dissimilarity, eight natural floristic kingdoms broke down into tropical, non-tropical and Australian regions after species introductions. Geographical distances, accounting for dispersal barriers including water, mountains, or unsuitable climates, important in explaining natural patterns, lost their importance when including non-native species. However, environmental factors consistently exerted a strong influence on native and non-native species. Our findings show that human-mediated dispersal results in the breakdown of biogeographical barriers and redefines the global biogeography of plants.
| Status Group | Postdoctoral Researcher |
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