13.1 Biodiversity and ecosystem shifts
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Climate change is wreaking havoc on biodiversity. It's altering habitats, pushing species to their limits, and disrupting ecosystems. From temperature shifts to sea level rise, these changes are forcing species to adapt or face extinction.
The impacts ripple through entire ecosystems, affecting the services they provide. Food production, water resources, and even cultural practices are at risk. Meanwhile, are thriving, taking advantage of stressed native populations and altered environments.
Climate Change and Biodiversity
Climate change and biodiversity loss
Top images from around the web for Climate change and biodiversity loss
Frontiers | Climate Change Will Re-draw the Map for Marine Megafauna and the People Who Depend ... View original
Is this image relevant?
NRM Report Cards Threatened plants and animals View original
Is this image relevant?
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise : A Review of the Scientific Evidence View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Climate Change Will Re-draw the Map for Marine Megafauna and the People Who Depend ... View original
Is this image relevant?
NRM Report Cards Threatened plants and animals View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Climate change and biodiversity loss
Frontiers | Climate Change Will Re-draw the Map for Marine Megafauna and the People Who Depend ... View original
Is this image relevant?
NRM Report Cards Threatened plants and animals View original
Is this image relevant?
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise : A Review of the Scientific Evidence View original
Is this image relevant?
Frontiers | Climate Change Will Re-draw the Map for Marine Megafauna and the People Who Depend ... View original
Is this image relevant?
NRM Report Cards Threatened plants and animals View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Climate change alters habitats and environmental conditions leads to
- Temperature changes affect species' thermal tolerances (cold-adapted species decline, heat-tolerant species thrive)
- Precipitation changes modify water availability for plants and animals (droughts, floods)
- Sea level rise inundates coastal habitats (mangroves, salt marshes)
- Species may be unable to adapt to rapid environmental changes face heightened extinction risks
- Limited dispersal abilities prevent species from tracking suitable climates (plants, small mammals)
- Narrow ecological niches make species vulnerable to habitat changes (specialist species)
- Slow reproductive rates hinder ability to recover from population declines (large mammals, birds)
- Increased risk of extinction for vulnerable species already threatened by other stressors
- with limited geographic ranges highly susceptible (island species)
- Species with specialized habitat requirements face (cloud forest species)
- Species at the upper limits of their temperature tolerance pushed beyond thresholds (alpine species)
- Disruption of species interactions and ecological relationships leads to cascading effects
- Mismatches in timing of life cycle events alter (bird migration, insect emergence)
- Alterations in predator-prey dynamics disrupt (predator declines, prey outbreaks)
- Changes in competition among species favor some while disadvantaging others (invasive species)
Ecosystem shifts due to climate
- Shifts in species' geographic ranges alter ecosystem composition and distribution
- Poleward and upward migration of species tracking suitable climates (treelines, )
- Expansion or contraction of suitable habitats modifies species' distributions (, coral reef contraction)
- Changes in community composition and structure lead to ecosystem reorganization
- Differential responses of species to climate change create new species assemblages (novel communities)
- Alterations in species dominance and relative abundances modify ecosystem structure (shrub encroachment in grasslands)
- Modifications in ecosystem functioning and processes affect
- Changes in and alter carbon storage and food production (forest growth, crop yields)
- Alterations in food web dynamics and trophic interactions affect ecosystem stability (predator-prey relationships)
- Emergence of and ecological communities presents management challenges
- New combinations of species with no historical analog create unpredictable dynamics (hybrid ecosystems)
- Potential for ecological surprises and unpredictable outcomes complicates conservation efforts (regime shifts)
Ecosystem Services and Invasive Species
Climate impacts on ecosystem services
- Provisioning services directly affected by climate change impact human well-being
- Changes in agricultural productivity and food security threaten livelihoods (crop failures, livestock losses)
- Alterations in the availability and quality of freshwater resources affect water security (droughts, water pollution)
- Shifts in the distribution and abundance of economically important species impact industries (fisheries, forestry)
- Regulating services disrupted by climate change reduce ecosystem resilience
- Reduced capacity for and climate regulation amplifies climate change (deforestation, wetland loss)
- Impaired ability to mitigate natural hazards increases disaster risks (coastal erosion, landslides)
- Alterations in the regulation of water quality and disease vectors affect public health (water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases)
- Cultural services impacted by climate change affect social and cultural well-being
- Loss of culturally significant species and landscapes erodes cultural heritage (sacred groves, totemic species)
- Impacts on recreational opportunities and tourism affect local economies (coral bleaching, ski resort closures)
- Disruption of traditional livelihoods and practices threatens indigenous communities (reindeer herding, subsistence fishing)
- Consequences for human well-being exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and inequalities
- Threats to food security and nutrition disproportionately affect marginalized populations (smallholder farmers, indigenous peoples)
- Increased vulnerability to natural disasters and extreme events affects poor and coastal communities (hurricanes, sea level rise)
- Impacts on physical and mental health worsen existing health disparities (heat stress, mental distress)
- Exacerbation of social and economic inequalities deepens poverty and marginalization (resource conflicts, climate migration)
Climate change and invasive species
- Expansion of suitable habitats for invasive species facilitates their establishment and spread
- Warming temperatures allowing invasive species to establish in new areas (subtropical species moving poleward)
- Changes in precipitation patterns favoring the spread of invasive plants (drought-tolerant species, fast-growing vines)
- Increased stress on native species and ecosystems reduces their resilience to invasions
- Reduced competitive ability of native species under altered climatic conditions (heat stress, water scarcity)
- Increased vulnerability to invasion due to habitat degradation and fragmentation (land-use changes, extreme events)
- Enhanced dispersal and establishment of invasive species accelerates their spread
- More frequent and intense extreme weather events facilitate long-distance dispersal (storm-driven dispersal of seeds, insects)
- Earlier spring onset and longer growing seasons enable rapid establishment and spread (extended reproductive periods)
- Emergence and spread of pathogens and disease vectors pose threats to human and ecosystem health
- Expansion of geographic ranges for disease-carrying organisms increases disease risks (malaria, dengue fever)
- Increased survival and reproduction of pathogens under warmer conditions (fungal pathogens, water-borne diseases)
- Potential for the emergence of novel diseases and zoonotic spillover events (wildlife-to-human transmission)
Key Terms to Review (24)
Biodiversity loss: Biodiversity loss refers to the decline in the variety and variability of life on Earth, which includes the extinction of species, reduction of populations, and degradation of ecosystems. This loss impacts ecosystem functions and services that are vital for human survival and well-being. Understanding biodiversity loss is crucial because it is closely tied to environmental changes, including those driven by climate change and global warming, which further alter ecosystems and species interactions.
Carbon sequestration: Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change. This process plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas concentrations, and it can occur through both natural and artificial means, helping to stabilize ecosystems and promote food security.
Coral reefs: Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of coral polyps that build calcium carbonate structures over time. These ecosystems support a wide variety of marine life, acting as essential habitats for numerous species and playing a vital role in maintaining the health of oceanic environments. They are often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea' due to their high biodiversity and complex interactions between organisms.
E.O. Wilson: E.O. Wilson was a prominent American biologist, naturalist, and writer, best known for his work on biodiversity and the importance of ecosystems. He emphasized the critical role that biodiversity plays in maintaining ecological balance and resilience, advocating for conservation efforts to protect species and their habitats. Wilson's ideas have significantly influenced our understanding of ecosystem shifts and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services refer to the various benefits that humans obtain from natural ecosystems, which include provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services. These services are crucial for human well-being and sustainability, as they contribute to food security, clean water, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities. Understanding these services helps to highlight the importance of maintaining biodiversity and healthy ecosystems in the face of environmental changes.
Endemic species: Endemic species are organisms that are native to a specific geographical area and are not naturally found anywhere else in the world. These species often evolve in isolation, leading to unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their specific environments. Understanding endemic species is crucial for grasping biodiversity, as they contribute significantly to the overall richness of ecosystems and play vital roles in their respective habitats.
Food Webs: Food webs are complex networks that illustrate the feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem. They demonstrate how energy and nutrients flow through different trophic levels, showcasing the interconnectedness of species and their roles within their environment. Understanding food webs is essential for recognizing how changes in one species can impact others, thus influencing biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Genetic Diversity: Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a particular species or population, playing a crucial role in their ability to adapt to changing environments and survive over time. It encompasses the differences in DNA sequences among individuals, which contribute to variations in traits, behaviors, and overall resilience. High genetic diversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring that species can withstand pressures such as climate change, diseases, and habitat loss.
Habitat loss: Habitat loss refers to the decline or destruction of natural environments where species live, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and ecosystem stability. This phenomenon often occurs due to human activities like urban development, agriculture, and resource extraction, which disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems. The consequences of habitat loss are profound, as they contribute to species extinction and alter the dynamics within ecosystems, affecting everything from food webs to climate regulation.
Invasive Species: Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can cause significant harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health. They can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt food webs, and lead to biodiversity loss. The presence of invasive species often triggers shifts in ecosystems, affecting everything from plant communities to wildlife populations.
Marine species: Marine species are organisms that live in the ocean or other saltwater environments, including a wide range of life forms such as fish, mammals, crustaceans, and coral. These species play critical roles in the marine ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and the overall health of oceanic environments. Changes in marine species populations can indicate shifts in ecosystem dynamics, often triggered by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Migration patterns: Migration patterns refer to the regular and predictable movements of species or populations from one geographic area to another, often in response to seasonal changes, environmental conditions, or ecological factors. These patterns play a crucial role in biodiversity and can significantly influence ecosystem dynamics by altering species interactions, habitat use, and resource availability.
Novel ecosystems: Novel ecosystems are ecological communities that have been significantly altered by human activities and now contain a mix of native and non-native species, resulting in unique environmental conditions and interactions. These ecosystems arise when traditional ecological processes are disrupted, leading to new forms of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. As climate change and other anthropogenic factors continue to reshape habitats, understanding novel ecosystems becomes essential for managing biodiversity and ecosystem shifts effectively.
Nutrient Cycling: Nutrient cycling is the process by which essential nutrients move through ecosystems, including the soil, water, and living organisms, in a continuous loop. This process is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health and stability, as it ensures that nutrients are recycled and made available to plants and animals. Nutrient cycling plays a significant role in biodiversity, agricultural practices, and the functioning of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems within the carbon cycle.
Primary Productivity: Primary productivity refers to the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances. It plays a crucial role in ecosystems, as it forms the base of the food web, influencing biodiversity and the health of various habitats. The levels of primary productivity can vary significantly among different ecosystems, which can lead to shifts in biodiversity as species adapt to or move away from areas with changing productivity levels.
Protected Areas: Protected areas are designated regions of land or water set aside for the conservation of nature, biodiversity, and cultural resources. These areas play a critical role in preserving ecosystems and species, while also providing refuge from human activities that can lead to habitat degradation and biodiversity loss. By limiting development and resource extraction, protected areas help maintain ecological balance and support climate resilience.
Rachel Carson: Rachel Carson was an influential American marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose work is credited with advancing the global environmental movement. Her groundbreaking book, 'Silent Spring,' raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and their impact on ecosystems, leading to significant changes in environmental policy and public perception of biodiversity and pollution.
Restoration ecology: Restoration ecology is a scientific discipline focused on the recovery and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems to restore their original conditions and functionality. It aims to bring back biodiversity and ecosystem services that have been lost due to human activity or natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of understanding ecological processes in order to effectively restore habitats.
Species richness: Species richness refers to the number of different species present in a given ecological community or ecosystem. This measure is essential for understanding biodiversity, as it provides insight into the variety of life forms in an area and their potential roles in ecosystem functions. Higher species richness often correlates with increased ecosystem stability and resilience, making it a crucial metric in studying environmental changes and ecological health.
Symbiosis: Symbiosis is a biological term that describes the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties involved. This interaction plays a crucial role in shaping ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity, as it can influence species' survival, reproductive success, and ecological relationships. The various types of symbiotic relationships contribute to the overall health and stability of ecosystems.
Temperate forests: Temperate forests are ecosystems characterized by moderate climate conditions, distinct seasonal changes, and a diverse array of deciduous and evergreen trees. These forests are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and play a significant role in regulating the global climate, as they store carbon and influence water cycles.
Trophic Cascades: Trophic cascades are ecological phenomena that occur when changes at one trophic level (like predators) cause significant impacts on other levels, leading to a chain reaction that alters the entire ecosystem. These cascades can disrupt or enhance biodiversity and are often linked to shifts in species populations, ecosystem functions, and overall health. Understanding trophic cascades helps highlight the interconnectedness of species and their environments, particularly in contexts affected by climate change and human activity.
Trophic Interactions: Trophic interactions refer to the relationships and dynamics that occur among organisms in an ecosystem based on their feeding habits and energy transfer. These interactions are crucial for understanding food webs, where producers convert solar energy into biomass, and consumers depend on these producers or other consumers for energy. The balance of these interactions influences biodiversity and can lead to significant shifts in ecosystems, especially as environmental changes occur.
Tundra Expansion: Tundra expansion refers to the process by which tundra ecosystems, characterized by cold temperatures and limited vegetation, are increasing in size due to climate change. As global temperatures rise, the boundaries of tundra regions shift further northward or upward in elevation, impacting the biodiversity and ecosystems within these areas. This phenomenon has implications for both the local climate and the species that inhabit these shifting environments.