Impacts of Climate Change on Terrestrial Ecosystems

Name?

What is one of the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems?

• Decreased competition among species
• Expansion of temperate forests
• Shift in geographic distribution of species
• Increased population density

What influences the migration of terrestrial species?

• Sunlight conditions only
• Atmospheric temperature only
• Water availability only
• Multiple factors including temperature, water availability, and sunlight conditions

Which of the following is an example of a species at high risk of extinction due to climate change?

• Birds in North America
• Wallabies in Australia
• Boreal forests
• Mountain pygmy possums in Australia

A. What is a potential consequence of terrestrial species migrating to new habitats due to climate change?

• Decreased competition among species
• No change in geographical distribution
• Stable food webs
• Changes in population density and composition of ecosystems

B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer to Part A?

• You would have learnt from the previous activity tab that as the geographic distribution of species changes, the mix and population densities of prey, predators and competitors in the ecosystems also change
• For example, about 170 species of birds tracked in North America have expanded their range northwards by 50km on average during the past four decades
• Boreal forests are advancing northwards into the tundra, and are themselves being replaced by temperate forests as shown in Figure 16
• Therefore, some species in California, USA have been found to migrate downslope due to greater shade and moisture downslope

A. What difficulties might mountain species face due to climate change?

• They may not find suitable habitats if the top of mountains become too warm, and face competition with species moving upwards
• They will face less competition due to climate change
• They will not be affected by climate change
• They will find more suitable habitats due to global warming

B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer to Part A?

• Some species may decline as they cannot find suitable habitats to migrate to
• However, this poleward movement is a general trend and there are some exceptions
• Mountain species prefer cold environments and might not have anywhere to go if the top of mountains are too warm for them. They also face competition with species from lower altitudes moving upwards
• For example, in Australia, wallabies are migrating to higher altitudes

A. How may the migration of certain species affect different ecosystems?

• Only the geographical distribution of species will change
• New terrestrial communities develop and existing ones could decline or change
• Ecosystems will remain unaffected
• Only aquatic ecosystems will be affected

B. Which sentence from the text best supports your answer to Part A?

• Species migration is not only influenced by atmospheric temperature but other factors such as water availability and sunlight conditions
• As different species respond differently, new terrestrial communities develop
• Among the species reported to be at the highest risk are Australia’s mountain pygmy possums (see Figure 17)
• Therefore, some species in California, USA have been found to migrate downslope due to greater shade and moisture downslope