What impact can climate change have on ecosystems?

Climate change can significantly alter species distributions and interactions within ecosystems. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns shift due to climate change, many species may find their preferred habitats no longer suitable for survival. This can lead to some species moving to higher altitudes or latitudes where conditions are more favorable, while others may face the threat of extinction if they cannot migrate or adapt quickly enough.

Changes in species distributions can also affect ecological interactions, such as predator-prey dynamics, competition for resources, and biodiversity. For example, if a particular predator moves into a new area to find suitable temperatures but the local prey species cannot adapt or also move, this can disrupt established ecological relationships. Additionally, the introduction of new species into existing ecosystems can lead to competition for resources, potentially driving native species to decline or disappear.

In summary, climate change profoundly influences the distribution and interactions of species, leading to cascading effects on ecosystem structure and function.