Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
drying out leading to invasion or replacement of mon-
tane forest species by lower montane or non-montane
species.
b.
Boreal forests
: Owing to high increases in temperature,
forest fires become frequent in boreal forests which cre-
ate favourable conditions for pests. Boreal forest will
shift towards Arctic areas destroying the biodiversity of
the forest.
c.
Polar region
: Climate change drastically influences the
reproduction rates of polar bears in the Arctic region.
Bears reuse their dens over a long period of time where
dens get extended to permafrost. These permafrosts are
important for the heat stresses of female bears. When the
permafrost is melted because of an increase in tempera-
ture collapsing the dens, female bears face a high thermal
disadvantage that has a negative impact on bear repro-
duction. The ecological function of the entire region is
affected as a result of the disruption in the bear's (key-
stone species) ecosystem.
Impact on marine ecosystem
a.
The coastal margins
: Certain coastal margins are
backed by areas of intense human use. If the level of sea
increases, it reduces important coastal habitats, including
mud flats and salt marshes.
b.
Warmer oceans
: Increase in sea temperature influ-
ences the distribution and survival of certain marine
resources. Coral reefs are facing the most hazardous
impact of climate change. High temperature causes
coral bleaching leading to the loss of the coral reef
structure. Around the world, coral reefs have been
dying as a result of climate change. Staghorn and
Elkhorn were found to be the first coral species to be
registered as 'endangered' which are commonly found
in the Caribbean. Researchers found that in the last two
decades, both species have practically become extinct.
Death of corals disrupts the coral ecosystem, which
leads to alterations in the fauna of associated species as
algae take over the reef.
c.
Increase in acidification:
: As a result of climate changes,
atmospheric CO
2
is increasing day by day. This increased
CO
2
is getting dissolved in oceans leading to increase in
acidity. Owing to increases in acidity, organisms such as
