A 2025 study from Stockholm University, published in reveals how genetic diversity enables yeast to adapt to rising temperatures, providing insights into species' responses to global warming. Understanding these adaptive mechanisms is crucial for biodiversity preservation.
Researchers tracked the evolution of thermal performance in eight genetically diverse yeast species (Saccharomyces spp.) over 600 generations. Simulating global warming, temperatures gradually increased from 25 to 40°C.
The study, led by Jennifer Molinet and Rike Stelkens, found that adaptive responses to climate change are species-specific and depend on genetic variation. Some heat-tolerant species expanded their temperature range, while others adapted to higher temperatures but with reduced fitness. This highlights the importance of studying genetic diversity to predict how microorganisms, including potential pathogens, might adapt to extreme environments and impact ecosystems.