Biotic responses to climate extremes in terrestrial ecosystems

Anthropogenic climate change is increasing the incidence of climate extremes. Consequences of climate extremes on biodiversity can be highly detrimental,
yet few studies also suggest beneficial effects of climate extremes on certain organisms. To obtain a general understanding of ecological responses to climate extremes, we present a review of how 16 major taxonomic/functional groups
(including microorganisms, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates) respond during
extreme drought, precipitation, and temperature.Most taxonomic/functional
groups respond negatively to extreme events, whereas groups such as mosses,
legumes, trees, and vertebrate predators respond most negatively to climate extremes. We further highlight that ecological recovery after climate extremes is
challenging to predict purely based on ecological responses during or immediately
after climate extremes. By accounting for the characteristics of the recovering
species, resource availability, and species interactions with neighboring
competitors or facilitators, mutualists, and enemies, we outline a conceptual
framework to better predict ecological recovery in terrestrial ecosystems.