2.3 Impact of climate change on natural systems

Describe how climate change can cause the changes in geographic distribution of aquatic species.

• Due to warming oceans, species migrate towards the poles and into deeper and cooler waters.

• Equatorial regions will experience an increase in biodiversity.

• Poleward regions will experience a decrease in biodiversity.

• Tropical species such as parrotfish and rabbitfish have migrated equatorwards.

How does excessive rainfall impact flora and fauna?

• It can lead to floods, destroying habitats and causing terrestrial species to drown and die.

• It promotes growth in all plant species, leading to increased biodiversity.

• It has no significant impact on flora and fauna in most ecosystems.

• It only affects aquatic species, leaving terrestrial species unharmed.

Explain how climate change has led to changes in precipitation on land.

• Wet regions are expected to get wetter due to increased evaporation and excessive rainfall.

• Dry regions are expected to get wetter due to increased moisture in the air.

• Climate change has no effect on precipitation patterns.

• Wet regions will experience less rainfall due to increased temperatures.

How might climate change impact coral reefs?

• Coral bleaching

• Increase in ocean temperature causes the algae living in the corals to be expelled

• Corals will grow faster due to warmer waters

• Coral reefs will become more colorful

How has climate change impacted terrestrial ecosystems?

• Changes in the geographical distribution and composition of terrestrial species

• Increased biodiversity in all regions

• More stable weather patterns

• Reduction in the number of terrestrial species

How does increased droughts affect flora and fauna?

• Plants may wither or become more vulnerable to diseases and insect attacks, causing plant species to die and decline in numbers.

• Increased rainfall leads to the growth of more plant species, enhancing biodiversity.

• Droughts have no significant impact on animal habitats or food supplies.

• Animals thrive in drought conditions due to reduced competition for resources.

How has the impacts of climate change affected natural systems?

• Increase in atmospheric and ocean surface temperature

• Decrease in biodiversity

• Slowing down of ocean circulation

• Increase in soil fertility

Explain how the ocean circulations moves water around the world.

• 1. Warm surface moves from the equator to the poles due to winds

• 2. The ocean is static and does not circulate

• 3. Cold water is always found at the surface of the ocean

• 4. The ocean circulations are only influenced by tides

In what ways have climate change impacted aquatic ecosystems?

• Threats to coral reefs (Coral bleaching)

• Increased fish populations due to warmer waters

• Expansion of freshwater habitats

• Improved water quality in coastal areas

Explain how climate change has slowed down the ocean circulations.

• Water at the surface gains heat due to rising atmospheric temperature and becomes less dense, which slows down the global ocean circulation.

• Increased rainfall leads to higher salinity in oceans, enhancing circulation.

• The melting of polar ice caps increases ocean density, accelerating circulation.

• Ocean currents are unaffected by climate change, maintaining their normal patterns.