Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability 2018-04-07

Genomics meets remote sensing in global change studies: monitoring and predicting phenology, evolution and biodiversity

Eri Yamasaki, Florian Altermatt, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Meredith C Schuman, Debra Zuppinger-Dingley, Irene Garonna, Fabian D Schneider, Carla Guillén-Escribà, Sofia J van Moorsel, Terhi Hahl, Bernhard Schmid, Gabriela Schaepman-Strub, Michael E Schaepman, Kentaro K Shimizu

Index: 10.1016/j.cosust.2018.03.005

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Abstract

Although the monitoring and prediction of ecosystem dynamics under global change have been extensively assessed, large gaps remain in our knowledge, including a need for concepts in rapid evolution and phenotypic plasticity, and a lack of large-scale and long-term monitoring. Recent genomic studies using the model species Arabidopsis predict that plastic and evolutionary changes in phenology may affect plant reproduction. We propose that three genomic-scale methods would enhance global change studies. First, genome-wide RNA sequencing enables monitoring of diverse functional traits and phenology. Second, sequencing of DNA variants highlights the importance of genetic variation and evolution. Third, DNA metabarcoding provides efficient and unbiased ecosystem monitoring. Integrating these genomic-scale studies with remote sensing will promote the understanding and prediction of biodiversity change.