The impact of climate variability on the species ranges of European freshwater pulmonates

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The proposed study will infer the relative role of climate variability on the species ranges of European freshwater pulmonates (Gastropoda). Integrating a macroecological (top-down) and a population based (bottom-up) approach, factors shaping the geographical ranges of this taxon will be analysed comrehensively, using a wide variety of observational and experimental methods in an phylogenetically informed framework. Beyond the importance for our understanding of the processes governing the distribution and biodiversity of this taxon in space and time, the ultimate aim of the study is to provide a base for the prediction of future range changes due to global warming scenarios.