Srinagar, July 6 -- In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the University of Kashmir have, for the first time, mapped how fern species grow and evolve across the elevational gradients of the western Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir. The research sheds new light on how biodiversity patterns are shifting in response to climate change.The team, from the university's Centre for Biodiversity and Taxonomy, documented 225 pteridophyte species-including Dryopteris, Asplenium, and Polystichum-across elevations ranging from 300 to 4700 meters above sea level. The highest species richness was observed between 1901-2000 meters, with 135 species.Published under the title "Elevational patterns and drivers of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of pt...