climate change

what is the current biggest threat to biodiversity

habitat change (destruction, fragmentation, degradation, etc)

what is the future biggest threat to biodiversity

climate change

global warming

rise in temperatures resulting from the increase in greenhouse gases

global climate change

complete set of climate characteristics that are changing now and will continue to change in the future because of this increase

Global climate change examples

changes in temperature, patterns of precipitation, wind, extreme storms

T/F Higher temperatures are associated with higher CO2 levels

true

how many tons of CO2 emissions is burning fossil fuels annually responsible for

40 billions tons

what is our current rate of CO2

417 ppm

what evidence can be found for climate change

the changing carbon isotope ratios in tree rings - burning of fossils fuels produces a different carbon signature, which can be detected in tree rings

how does climate change effect biodiversity

1. changes weather

2. phenology shifts

3. ocean warming & acidification

4. melting glaciers and polar ice

5. rising sea levels

phenology

study of the timing of biological activities relative to seasonal cues and variation in climate

cues used in phenology

day length, temperature, moisture, habitat/food availability

Phenological mismatch

trophic levels don’t shift synchronously

how does climate change cause shifting species ranges

increased temperatures cause animals to more poleward or to increase elevation

climate envelope

range of climate conditions that are suitable for a particular species to live in

how much have ocean temperatures increased over the last 50 years

1.4F

why do marine species have a smaller climate envelope

water holds a constant temperature well, so there is no need to adapt to dramatic changes

how does climate change cause sea level rising

thermal expansion of water and melting of glacier ice