Animation 57.1: The Effects of Climate Change

INTRODUCTION

Some human activities result in habitat loss or degradation directly, such as cutting down tropical rainforests or draining wetlands for agricultural use. Others, such as those that emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, have indirect effects on habitats. Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global climate warming. In turn, climate warming alters the habitats on the planet. As highlighted in the accompanying animation, climate change in the distant past, as well as more recent climate change, has altered habitats and species, shifting geographic ranges and the timing of life history events.

CONCLUSION

The global climate has varied widely over Earth's history and species have changed with it, either adapting, migrating to stay within their physiological and ecological ranges, or going extinct. This animation highlights one study of plant communities in eastern North America and how they have changed over time, from 18,000 years ago when the climate was much colder to present day. As the climate warmed and ice retreated, plant communities that were found in the south began to appear farther north. Additionally, novel communities of plants appeared during the transition, with unique combinations of species coming together. Other studies around the world note similar shifts during our current climate warming. In the Northern Hemisphere, many species have shifted their geographic ranges northward. Some plant and animal species have shifted to higher elevations. Climate warming is also correlated with changes in the timing of life history events, with some species migrating earlier, breeding earlier, or flowering earlier in the spring, which is warmer earlier.

Textbook Reference: Key Concept 57.2 Most Biodiversity Loss Is Caused by Habitat Loss and Degradation