Impacts of Climate Change on Natural Systems Pt. 2

The impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems include:

• Threats to flora and fauna

• Changes in extreme weather

Similar to aquatic species, as the atmosphere warms, terrestrial species will be forced to

(a)  

In general, as the atmosphere warms, there is a shift towards the higher latitudes and (a)   where temperatures are cooler.

For example, about 170 species of birds tracked in North America have expanded their range ........................ by 50km on average during the past four decades.

• southwards

• northwards

• eastwards

• westwards

Forests characterised by mostly coniferous trees, found mostly between 50-60 degrees north of the equator.

• Tropical

• Temperate

• Boreal

• Tundra

A cold region that is characterised by a lack of trees. Vegetation is patchy and comprises mainly shrubs. Tundra is mainly found between 60-75 degrees north of the equator.

• Tropical

• Temperate

• Boreal

• Tundra

Forests found between tropical and boreal forests. They are found mainly between 25 to 50 degrees north and south of the equator. Vegetation here mainly comprises broadleaf trees.

• Temperate

• Tundra

Species migration is not only influenced by atmospheric temperature but other factors such as (a)   availability and sunlight conditions.

Some species may decline as they cannot find suitable habitats to migrate to. Hence (a)   are predicted to occur at higher rates in mountainous areas than in other ecosystems.

Impacts of droughts: Plants are especially vulnerable to (a)   scarcity.