13.3 Terrestrial ecosystem changes and wildlife
3 min read•july 22, 2024
is reshaping terrestrial ecosystems. Plants and animals are shifting their life cycles, with earlier springs and longer growing seasons. This causes mismatches between species, disrupting ecological interactions and survival patterns.
Forests are changing too. Tree species are moving to new areas, altering forest composition. This impacts ecosystem functions like carbon storage and water cycling. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense, further transforming landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Terrestrial Ecosystem Changes
Phenology shifts in terrestrial species
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- Altered timing of seasonal events leads to changes in species' life cycles
- Earlier spring arrival
- Earlier flowering and leaf-out in plants (cherry blossoms, maple trees)
- Earlier emergence of insects (butterflies, bees)
- Earlier migration and breeding in birds (robins, warblers)
- Extended growing seasons
- Longer periods of plant growth and productivity (crops, forests)
- Increased number of generations for some insects (aphids, mosquitoes)
- Earlier spring arrival
- Mismatches between species' life cycles and resource availability disrupt ecological interactions
- Asynchrony between plant flowering and pollinator emergence (bees, butterflies)
- Misalignment of prey availability and predator breeding cycles (birds, insects)
- Disruption of species' dormancy and hibernation patterns affects their survival and reproduction
- Reduced winter chilling required for bud break in some plants (fruit trees, grapevines)
- Interrupted hibernation in mammals due to warmer temperatures (bears, bats)
Forest ecosystem changes due to climate
- Shifts in species' ranges alter forest composition and distribution
- Poleward and upward migration of tree species
- Expansion of warm-adapted species into higher latitudes and elevations (oaks, pines)
- Contraction of cold-adapted species' ranges (spruces, firs)
- Changes in forest community composition
- Increased dominance of drought-tolerant species (junipers, acacias)
- Decline of moisture-sensitive species (maples, beeches)
- Poleward and upward migration of tree species
- Alteration of forest structure and dynamics impacts ecosystem functions
- Increased tree mortality due to drought, heat stress, and insect outbreaks (bark beetles, defoliators)
- Reduced tree growth and productivity in water-limited regions (semi-arid forests)
- Changes in forest succession patterns and age structure (old-growth forests, even-aged stands)
- Ecosystem function and service disruption affects carbon storage, water cycling, and biodiversity
- Altered carbon storage and sequestration capacity (reduced carbon sinks)
- Changes in water cycling and regulation (reduced water yield, increased runoff)
- Impacts on biodiversity and habitat provision (loss of specialist species, homogenization)
Disturbances and Wildlife Impacts
Wildfire patterns and ecological impacts
- Increased wildfire risk due to changing climate conditions
- Longer and more severe fire seasons
- Extended periods of high temperatures and low humidity (summer months)
- Reduced fuel moisture content (dry vegetation)
- More frequent and intense drought events
- Increased fuel load and flammability (dead and dry vegetation)
- Lightning-induced ignitions during dry conditions (thunderstorms)
- Longer and more severe fire seasons
- Ecological impacts of altered fire regimes reshape
- Changes in forest composition and structure
- Shift towards fire-adapted species (pines, oaks)
- Reduced tree density and canopy cover (open woodlands)
- Habitat modification and loss
- Destruction of old-growth forests and mature stands (spotted owl, marbled murrelet)
- Reduced availability of refugia for fire-sensitive species (amphibians, small mammals)
- Post-fire succession and recovery
- Altered seedling establishment and regeneration patterns (conifer recruitment)
- Potential for colonization (cheatgrass, kudzu)
- Changes in forest composition and structure
Wildlife habitat fragmentation and connectivity
- and loss reduce species' ability to adapt and survive
- Increased isolation of suitable habitats
- Range shifts and contractions of species' distributions (montane species, endemics)
- Barriers to dispersal and migration (roads, urban areas, agricultural lands)
- Reduced patch size and increased edge effects
- Increased vulnerability to local extinctions (small populations, genetic bottlenecks)
- Altered species interactions and community dynamics (predation, )
- Increased isolation of suitable habitats
- Disruption of wildlife corridors and connectivity impedes species' movements and gene flow
- Impeded movement between critical habitats
- Seasonal migrations (migratory birds, large mammals)
- Dispersal of juveniles and genetic exchange between populations (carnivores, ungulates)
- Reduced resilience to climate-related stressors
- Limited ability to track suitable climate conditions (range shifts, elevational movements)
- Increased exposure to extreme events and habitat degradation (droughts, floods, fires)
- Impeded movement between critical habitats
- Conservation and management challenges require adaptive strategies and prioritization
- Need for adaptive strategies to maintain habitat connectivity
- Identification and protection of climate refugia (montane areas, riparian zones)
- Restoration and enhancement of habitat linkages (wildlife overpasses, corridors)
- Integration of climate change considerations into wildlife management plans
- Monitoring and assessment of species' responses to fragmentation (population trends, genetic diversity)
- Prioritization of conservation efforts for vulnerable populations (, isolated populations)
- Need for adaptive strategies to maintain habitat connectivity
Key Terms to Review (18)
Climate change: Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the Earth's climate, particularly a rise in global temperatures due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This phenomenon affects various aspects of the environment, including weather patterns, ecosystems, and human health, leading to widespread impacts on the planet.
Competition: Competition refers to the interaction between organisms or species as they strive for limited resources, such as food, space, and mates. This struggle influences population dynamics and can drive evolution, as species adapt to their competitors. Understanding competition is crucial for analyzing how changes in terrestrial ecosystems affect wildlife populations and interactions.
David Attenborough: David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster, natural historian, and documentary filmmaker known for his work in bringing the wonders of the natural world to audiences through captivating storytelling and groundbreaking documentaries. His career has spanned over six decades, during which he has become a key figure in raising awareness about environmental issues and the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.
Drought conditions: Drought conditions refer to prolonged periods of abnormally low precipitation, leading to water shortages that impact terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife. These conditions can cause significant stress on plants and animals, disrupting food webs and altering habitats. As the availability of water decreases, the ability of ecosystems to function properly is severely affected, resulting in biodiversity loss and changes in species distributions.
Ecosystem resilience: Ecosystem resilience is the ability of an ecosystem to absorb disturbances, adapt, and reorganize while still maintaining its essential functions and structure. This concept emphasizes how ecosystems can recover from stressors like climate change or human impact, ensuring their sustainability and health over time. High resilience often means that ecosystems can withstand significant changes without losing their core identity, contributing to biodiversity and the overall health of the planet.
Endangered species: An endangered species is a group of organisms that is at risk of extinction due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, environmental changes, and human activities. These species are often considered a critical indicator of ecosystem health, as their decline can signal broader ecological problems. Protecting endangered species is vital not only for biodiversity but also for maintaining the balance within terrestrial ecosystems.
Field surveys: Field surveys are systematic methods used to collect data and observations about ecosystems, wildlife, and environmental conditions in their natural settings. These surveys provide crucial insights into biodiversity, species populations, and habitat changes, allowing researchers to assess the impacts of various factors such as climate change and human activities on terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife.
Forest ecosystems: Forest ecosystems are complex communities of living organisms, including trees, plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting with their physical environment. They play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, maintaining biodiversity, and providing essential resources like timber and clean air. These ecosystems are dynamic and influenced by factors such as climate change, human activities, and natural disturbances.
Grassland ecosystems: Grassland ecosystems are areas where grasses dominate the vegetation, characterized by a mix of herbaceous plants, few trees, and a wide range of wildlife. These ecosystems are found in regions with limited rainfall, making them distinct from forests or deserts. Grasslands play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and provide essential services such as carbon storage and soil preservation.
Habitat fragmentation: Habitat fragmentation refers to the process in which large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities such as urban development, agriculture, and road construction. This separation disrupts ecosystems and affects wildlife by limiting their movement, reducing genetic diversity, and isolating populations, which can lead to species decline and extinction. The issue is critical in understanding how terrestrial ecosystems change and the impact on wildlife survival.
Habitat restoration: Habitat restoration is the process of returning a degraded or damaged ecosystem to its original state, improving the conditions for wildlife and plant species. This practice often involves activities such as replanting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and rehabilitating soil and water resources. By restoring habitats, we enhance biodiversity and support the survival of various species affected by environmental changes.
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.
Mutualism: Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where two different species interact in a way that benefits both parties. This relationship can enhance the survival, reproduction, or overall fitness of the species involved. In terrestrial ecosystems, mutualism often plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and stability, as many organisms depend on these interactions for essential resources such as food and pollination.
Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is the technology and science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery. This method allows for the collection of data across various environmental contexts, such as monitoring ocean health, assessing weather patterns, managing water resources, and studying land ecosystems, making it a vital tool in understanding our planet's changing climate.
Soil degradation: Soil degradation is the decline in soil quality and productivity due to various factors such as erosion, nutrient depletion, pollution, and salinization. This phenomenon has serious implications for agriculture and food security, as it reduces the land's ability to support crops and sustain ecosystems. Additionally, soil degradation impacts terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Species protection: Species protection refers to the efforts and strategies aimed at safeguarding endangered or threatened species and their habitats from extinction or decline. This concept is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, as each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, contributing to its overall health and stability. Effective species protection often involves legal measures, conservation programs, habitat restoration, and public education to promote awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife.
Trophic Levels: Trophic levels are the hierarchical positions in a food chain or food web that define the roles of organisms based on their feeding relationships. Each level represents a different step in the transfer of energy and nutrients, beginning with primary producers and moving up to various levels of consumers. Understanding trophic levels is crucial for grasping how energy flows through ecosystems, which can be impacted by environmental changes in both marine and terrestrial habitats.
World Wildlife Fund: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is an international non-governmental organization focused on environmental conservation and reducing the human impact on the environment. It works to protect endangered species and their habitats, advocate for sustainable practices, and promote community engagement in wildlife conservation efforts. Through its initiatives, WWF aims to create a world where humans live in harmony with nature.