El climate change is generating various alterations in ecosystems, and animals are forced to adapt to the new circumstances. A study published in the journal Nature Ecology reveals that Mammals and birds have a greater capacity for evolution and adaptation to climate change. compared to animal groups such as amphibians and reptiles. To better understand these implications, see also the differences between climate change and global warming.
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"We see that mammals and birds are better able to expand their habitats, which means they adapt and change more easily. This would have a profound impact on extinction rates and how our world will look in the future," explained Jonathan Rolland, a researcher at the University of British Columbia in Canada and author of the study.
To carry out this research, data on the current geographic distribution of various animal species, their fossil records, and information about their evolution were analyzed. In total, 11.465 species, allowing scientists to observe where they have lived over the past few years 270 million years and the environmental conditions they have required for their survival. This type of research is vital to understanding more about .
The impact of climate change on each species varies depending on their characteristics and lifestyles. Some animals are better able to adapt to adverse conditions, while others struggle to survive in the face of these drastic changes. Therefore, it is important to consider that in some places, such as the Mediterranean, the situation is especially critical. Also, in some cities could disappear due to global warming and the inability of their ecosystems to adapt.
Throughout history, there have been other climatic changes that have influenced the distribution of animals. According to Rolland, the planet was warm and tropical until 40 million years ago, making it a favorable habitat for many species. However, as it cooled, mammals and birds adapted to the colder temperatures, migrating to new habitats. To learn more about how different ecosystems have adapted, see the adaptation of plants to climate change.
This could explain the scarcity of amphibians and reptiles in regions such as the ArcticMigration to more favorable climates is a strategy that many species must adopt to survive. To learn more about how climate change affects other groups, see the implications of forced emigration.
Animals that have the ability to hibernate, regulate their internal temperature, and care for their young are more likely to adapt to climate change. These skills have been observed to be crucial for survival in increasingly harsh environments. For example, adaptation of endangered species may depend largely on these characteristics.
Adaptations of mammals and birds to climate change
Mammals and birds exhibit multiple adaptations that allow them to respond to changing climatic conditions. These are manifested in their physiology, behavior, and morphology, allowing them to better cope with environmental stress. Some of the traits that have proven useful include:
- Endothermy: The ability to generate internal heat helps mammals and birds survive in cold environments.
- Hibernation: The ability to enter a state of hibernation allows animals to conserve energy during periods of scarcity.
- Parental care: Parenting and offspring care strategies increase the chances of survival.
- Mobility: The ability to move to new areas with more favorable climates is essential for adaptation. To understand more about these movements, visit natural laboratories in Spain.
Bird and mammal populations have the advantage of expanding their habitats more easily. This finding has important implications for the planet's biodiversity, potentially affecting extinction rates. Species that fail to adapt or migrate to new environments may face a high risk of extinction. This may be related to the medium-sized carnivores which, by not adapting, can exacerbate their situation in the face of climate change.
The impact of climate change on vegetation
In addition to affecting animals, climate change also affects flora. A recent study shows that the decline in animal biodiversity has an impact on plants' ability to adapt. About half of plant species depend on animals, such as birds and mammals, for seed dispersal. This relationship, known as zoochory, is crucial for the regeneration of plant populations and their geographical expansion.
The loss of birds and mammals causes a significant decline in seed dispersal on a global scale, which is a fundamental aspect of ecosystem health, as Evan C. Fricke, a researcher at Rice University in the US, explains:
"When we lose mammals and birds from ecosystems, we're not just losing species, we're damaging complex ecological webs. This can jeopardize the climate resilience of entire ecosystems on which we all depend."
When plant species cannot disperse to new suitable areas, their ability to adapt to climate change is threatened. This can lead to further reductions in biodiversity and the loss of critical ecosystem services. In this context, it is vital to address these challenges to ensure ecosystems remain healthy.
The interconnection between biodiversity and climate change
The links between the biodiversity crisis and climate change are clear. As the global climate changes rapidly, many species are not adapting quickly enough. Scientists suggest improving habitat connectivity to allow species that can still disperse seeds to do so freely, which could help address the challenge of global warming. To learn more about how climate change is affecting specific regions, see the conversion of North Africa.
Restoring seed disperser populations to their historical ranges is also essential. This includes focusing on large-bodied species, such as large mammals and birds, which are key to long-distance seed dispersal and therefore to the resilience of plant communities. Proactive actions are necessary, as seen in the Changes in the arrival of rare birds to different regions.
Aside from morphological and physiological adaptations, several animals have also been observed to be altering their morphology in response to climate change. A study from Deakin University indicates that some bird species have modified the size of their beaks, increasing by between 4% and 10% over the years, a finding corroborated by species such as Australian parrots.
Likewise, changing environmental conditions have been documented to have led other species, such as wood mice, to lengthen their tails. These adaptations are not only fascinating from an evolutionary perspective, but also underscore the urgent need for a proactive approach to mitigating climate change and protecting species struggling to adapt. As recent studies point out, Extreme weather conditions can aggravate this situation.
The challenges posed by climate change are significant, and not all animals will be able to adapt to new climate scenarios. Rising temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events exacerbate the difficulties faced by species. Some scientists warn that many will not be able to evolve in time to survive.
In this regard, it is crucial to act quickly and effectively to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our ecosystems. Conservation measures must focus on protecting endangered species and restoring their habitats. For example, in the case of the bamboo lemur, actions are being taken to prevent their extinction due to these threats.
The future of biodiversity and ecosystem health is in our hands. Every action counts when it comes to protecting our planet and ensuring that future generations can enjoy a world full of life.
