Out of sight, out of mind: Phylogenetic and taxonomic gaps imply great underestimations of the species’ vulnerability to global climate change

Abstract The study of the species’ climatic niche is an excellent proxy their vulnerability to global climate change. It well known that species with greater marginality or a smaller breadth are most vulnerable However, these measures have never been contextualized regarding shortfalls in biogeography: Linnean and Darwinian shortfalls. Here based on Liolaemidae, one diverse families tetrapods, we showed as phylogenetic taxonomic knowledge accumulated across time filled up, split complexes (previously recognized single species) generates new much more effect We calculated compared via Ecological Niche Factor Analyses (ENFA), Climate-Niche Analysis (CNFA), ellipsenm niches five monophyletic groups lizards, considering two stages knowledge: original described (past period), currently updated (2020 period). For both stages, also estimated change exposure vulnerability. (current, 2020) was significantly marginal smaller, therefore remarkable, than originally periods). Our findings evidence real biodiversity climate, could be masked for lack knowledge, highlighting great importance disciplines risk assessments. This fact especially exacerbated those poorly unstudied countries.