The tropical water at the equator is renowned for having the richest diversity of marine life on Earth, with vibrant coral reefs and large aggregations of tunas, sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. The number of marine species naturally tapers off as you head towards the poles.
Ecologists have assumed this global pattern has remained stable over recent centuries — until now. A recent study — featuring UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics’ Professor Anthony Richardson — found the ocean around the equator has already become too hot for many species to survive, and that global warming is responsible.
