Climate change and phenology

Climate change is a defining element of the current ecological landscape, with consequences ranging from global to local environments. One of the first indices of the ecological impact of the ongoing environmental changes was measurement of their effects on phenology, the seasonal timing of recurring annual events such as the beginning of the growing season, timing of flowering, and breeding seasons of animals. Research has moved beyond simple descriptions of these temporal changes to investigations of their root causes, impacts, and consequences at both ecological and evolutionary time scales. This changing landscape, environmental, ecological, and evolutionary, makes this an exciting, albeit sometimes depressing, time to be a scientist. This article is categorized under: Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Observed Ecological Changes

Automated summary

Climate change is a significant aspect of the current ecological landscape that impacts global and local environments. Researchers have progressed from basic descriptions of temporal changes to investigating the underlying causes, impacts, and consequences of these changes at both ecological and evolutionary scales. This era presents an exciting yet sometimes disheartening time for scientists.