TY - JOUR TI - Global warming reduces leaf-out and flowering synchrony among individuals AU - Zohner, Constantin M AU - Mo, Lidong AU - Renner, Susanne S A2 - Schmid, Bernhard A2 - Baldwin, Ian T VL - 7 PY - 2018 DA - 2018/11/12 SP - e40214 C1 - eLife 2018;7:e40214 DO - 10.7554/eLife.40214 UR - https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.40214 AB - The temporal overlap of phenological stages, phenological synchrony, crucially influences ecosystem functioning. For flowering, among-individual synchrony influences gene flow. For leaf-out, it affects interactions with herbivores and competing plants. If individuals differ in their reaction to the ongoing change in global climate, this should affect population-level synchrony. Here, we use climate-manipulation experiments, Pan-European long-term (>15 years) observations, and common garden monitoring data on up to 72 woody and herbaceous species to study the effects of increasing temperatures on the extent of leaf-out and flowering synchrony within populations. Warmer temperatures reduce in situ leaf-out and flowering synchrony by up to 55%, and experiments on European beech provide a mechanism for how individual differences in day-length and/or chilling sensitivity may explain this finding. The rapid loss of reproductive and vegetative synchrony in European plants predicts changes in their gene flow and trophic interactions, but community-wide consequences remain largely unknown. Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter). KW - climate change KW - phenological synchrony KW - Fagus sylvatica KW - temperate plants KW - flowering KW - leaf unfolding JF - eLife SN - 2050-084X PB - eLife Sciences Publications, Ltd ER -