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Nonlinearity in marine fish populations is amplified by temperature variation and fast life histories

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Analysis of marine fish populations reveals that nonlinear dynamics are widespread and that the degree of nonlinearity is elevated by high temperature variation and for species with fast life histories. These findings support the nonlinear amplification hypothesis and challenge assumptions of stable equilibrium dynamics commonly used in ecology studies and in fisheries management.

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Fig. 1: Nonlinearity is ubiquitous and amplified by temperature variation.

References

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This is a summary of: Hechler, R. M. & Krkosek, M. Temperature variation and life history mediate nonlinearity in fluctuations of marine fish populations worldwide. Nat. Ecol. Evol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02968-1 (2026).

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Nonlinearity in marine fish populations is amplified by temperature variation and fast life histories.
Nat Ecol Evol (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02962-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-025-02962-7

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