The response of two contrasting limestone grasslands to simulated climate change

Two different UK limestone grasslands were exposed to simulated climate cha nge with the use of nonintrusive techniques to manipulate Local climate ove r 5 years. Resistance to climate change, defined as the ability of a commun ity to maintain its composition and biomass in response to environmental st ress, could be explained by reference to the functional composition and suc cessional status of the grasslands. The more fertile, early-successional gr assland was much more responsive to climate change. Resistance could not be explained by the particular climates experienced by the two grasslands. Pr oductive, disturbed Landscapes created by modern human activity may prove m ore vulnerable to climate change than older, traditional Landscapes.