Disruption of Habitats and Food Systems
Note- Climate change is not just about rising temperatures.
- It disrupts ecosystems, alters animal behaviors, and threatens food security.
Spatial Changes in Biomes
Definition
Biome
Collection of ecosystems with its habitats characterized by similar climatic conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, vegetation types, and animal communities.
Latitudinal and Altitudinal Shifts in Ecosystems and Changing Vegetation Zones
- Biomes are shifting poleward and to higher altitudes as temperatures rise.
Warmer temperatures allow tree lines to move northward, reducing habitats for cold-adapted species like Arctic foxes.
Coral Bleaching Due to Ocean Warming and Acidification
- Coral reefs are susceptible to temperature changes and ocean acidification.
- Warming waters cause corals to expel the algae that provide them with food and color, leading to bleaching.
The Great Barrier Reef has experienced severe bleaching events, with up to 50% of its corals affected in recent years.
- Ocean acidification, driven by increased CO₂ absorption, weakens coral skeletons, further threatening these ecosystems.
Think of coral reefs as underwater cities. When they bleach, it's like a city losing its infrastructure, leaving its inhabitants without shelter or resources.
Animal Migration Patterns
Disrupted Breeding Cycles and Habitat Loss
- Climate change alters migration and breeding patterns, affecting biodiversity.
- Earlier springs cause mismatches between animal behaviors and environmental cues.
Birds may arrive at breeding grounds before food sources are available.
- Habitat loss exacerbates these challenges.
