New ecological discovery explains biodiversity differences between Italy and Algeria
Why does Italy, with its Mediterranean climate, host rich biodiversity, while neighboring Algeria, despite being similarly located, struggles with ecosystem loss in vast areas? A groundbreaking study from Nature Ecology & Evolution may have the answer.
Scientists have identified a universal ecological law — a Global Energy-Water Rule — that explains how the balance between temperature (energy) and precipitation (water) determines where life flourishes or fails.
🌍 Italy vs Algeria: A Case Study in Ecology
Italy and Algeria both lie along the Mediterranean, yet their ecosystems differ dramatically.
Italy benefits from a balanced energy-water ratio, leading to lush forests, diverse species, and fertile lands.
Algeria, especially its inland regions, experiences high solar energy but limited moisture, tipping the balance and resulting in arid, life-sparse zones.
“The survival of ecosystems is not just about how hot or wet it is — it’s about how energy and water interact,” said lead author Dr. Laura Conti.
This rule doesn’t just apply to Europe and North Africa — it works globally, from tropical rainforests to mountain tundras.
🌱 Why This Matters
As climate change intensifies, many regions are losing their critical energy-water balance. This discovery can:
Help predict ecosystem collapse.
Guide global conservation efforts.
Identify future biodiversity hotspots or risk zones.
🔬 Source
Nature Ecology & Evolution (2025). A global rule for predicting biodiversity based on energy–water balance.
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