Upper thermal limits in terrestrial ectotherms: how constrained are they?

Summary 1. Terrestrial ectotherms are likely to face increased periods of heat stress as mean temperatures and temperature variability increase over the next few decades. Here, we consider the extent to which changes in upper thermal limits, through plasticity or evolution, might be constrained, and we survey insect and reptile data to identify groups likely to be particularly susceptible to thermal stress. 2. Plastic changes increase thermal limits in many terrestrial ectotherms, but tend to have less effect on upper limits than lower limits. 3. Although comparisons across insect species have normally not taken into account the potential for plastic responses, mid‐latitude species seem most prone to…

• AR
  Australian Research Council