Misato NotoRapid climate change can lead to unusual life cycle events and disrupt animal food chains, both of which contribute to abrupt biodiversity losses. Arctic and mountain species are particularly vulnerable to warmer temperatures.
For example, a decline in sea ice disturbs the optimal habitat for sea algae, which is eaten by zooplankton. This means that arctic cod and seabirds lose their main source of food, and seals also lose their staple diet. In turn, polar bears that eat marine mammals are also threatened.
Melting glaciers in the mountains change mountain river flows and cause warmer water, too. This affects the habitat for marine species. Fish migrate from warm waters to cold waters, overcrowding the habitat for salmon and trout. Early springs cause shorter hibernation of mountain animals such as possums and squirrels, exposing them to more predators and disturbing their reproduction schedules.
