Effects of Global Warming

What are some observed shifts in the lifecycles of plants and animals due to global warming?

• Flowers blooming earlier and birds hatching earlier in the spring

• Animals migrating towards the poles and up mountainsides

• Plants attempting to shift their ranges

• All of the above

Why are species living in unique ecosystems at a higher risk due to global warming?

• They are unable to migrate to new habitats

• They are already threatened by dwindling sea ice

• Human development prevents their shifts

• Both A and C

What percentage of species could be committed to extinction with 2 to 3 Celsius degrees of further warming?

• 10 to 20 percent

• 20 to 50 percent

• 50 to 70 percent

• 70 to 90 percent

Why is the rate of warming important for plants and animals?

• It determines the magnitude of the extinction

• It affects the ability of species to adjust

• It leads to the death of coral reefs

• Both A and C

What can warmer ocean temperatures cause coral to do?

• Bleach

• Migrate

• Multiply

• Hibernate

What could lead to widespread bleaching and death of coral reefs around the world?

• 1 Celsius degree of additional warming

• 2 Celsius degrees of additional warming

• 3 Celsius degrees of additional warming

• 4 Celsius degrees of additional warming

How does increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere affect ocean ecosystems?

• It causes coral to bleach

• It increases the acidity of ocean waters

• It leads to the death of marine mammals

• Both A and B

What is the main concern for species living in polar and mountaintop regions?

• Migration to new habitats

• Dwindling sea ice

• Human development

• Lack of suitable habitats

What is the potential impact of global warming on forest ecosystems?

• They may disappear due to inability to adjust quickly enough

• They may migrate towards the poles

• They may thrive in warmer temperatures

• They may become more diverse

What can prevent animals and plants from shifting their ranges due to global warming?

• Human development

• Lack of suitable habitats

• Migration patterns

• Warmer temperatures