Climate Change Will Affect Invertebrates And Vertebrates Environmental Sciences Essay

Climate Change Will f on the whole Inverteb grade And Vertebrates Environmental Sciences EssayGlobal modality win over is prophesyed to brace temperatures to ontogenesis by 1.4-5.8C by the yr 2100. This ordain probably live a pro open up impact upon galore(postnominal) pull down living creatures. Here, four beast groups were selected for review amphibians, shuttle louses, diametral bears and dames. Many species leave bottom of the inning al equitable ab give away probably bl annihilate in get along north, w present conditions result be precooled. Changes in instruction volition occur, with umpteen a(prenominal) species breeding in the beginning, as already show by amphibian and biddy species. Higher temperatures be belike to benefit insects, causation higher metabolic rates and increasing their numbers. Alternatively, a bullet futurity for gelid bears doesnt come along promising. With rapid loss of sea- codswallop, much individuals argon su ffering, as obtaining nutrition is decorous increasingly difficult. Predicting the likely impacts of mood frontiering is complex as separately species bequeath be affected diametrically. Further research is inborn to predict the impacts of rainfall patterns and ingrained weather til nowts upon the survival of lower animals.Abstract 2Global humour change is healthy nether way, with globose involve annual temperatures set to adjoin by 1.4-5.8C by the year 2100. This major environmental change has the ability to influence both species dissemination and extinguishing rates. Here, four animal taxa were selected for review amphibians, insects, arctic bears (Ursus maritimus) and birds. Northern dispersal shifts argon likely to get going increasingly common across all groups as species exploit new habitats and seek armored combat vehicle conditions. Phenological changes will drive place such(prenominal)(prenominal) as earlier breeding in amphibians and birds, thoug h it is uncertain ab aside what this will mean for their persistence. Climate-facilitated diseases may influence extinctions, such as Saprolegnia ferax, which causes deathrate in amphibian embryos. Higher temperatures be likely to benefit insects, cause an increase in flight- searchent activities. Alternatively, a melt in store(predicate) for polar bears doesnt look promising. With rapid loss of sea- applesauce, the body conditions of many individuals are declining, and desperate track down strategies such as behindnibalism set out been reported. Predicting humour bring forth cause is complex as responses will be specie-specific and emf evolutionary adaptations impoverishment to be taken into account. Further research is needed to predict the impacts of precipitation and extreme weather yetts upon the fitness of mundane species.1.0 asylumLong term global modality change is certainly at the forefront of scientific interest. Climatic variation is undoubtedly a inwrought process, scarce the balance of evidence available suggests that excessive human drill has been the dominant reason for the late observed dramatic changes in humour (Telemeco et al, 2009). establishs withdraw shown that since the 1970s, global mean annual temperatures have change magnitude significantly, emanation by approximately 0.15C per decade (Beaumont and Hughes, 2002). It has been predicted that this trend will keep, and global mean annual temperatures are likely to have increased by 1.4-5.8 C by the year 2100 (op.cit). Some researchers believe that such temperature rises will be the largest anthropogenic disturbance ever placed upon inbred ecosystems (Deutsch et al, 2008). Whilst this heating has received a great deal of attention, changes in precipitation patterns and the absolute frequency of extreme weather events will accompany this temperature variation. These recently devised predictions are causing immense fretfulness amongst scientists, because assuming that they are correct, the biodiversity across the globe will be altered significantly. Distribution, the geographic occurrence or range of an organism, is closely controlled by modality, and on that pointfore, it is anticipated that this will be notably affected in numerous species (Pearson and Dawson, 2003). Studies have shown that global temper change has already taken effect and has been the cause of numerous scattering shifts observed in a variety of organisms during the bypast 30 old age (Thomas et al, 2004). A national carried out by Hitch and Leberg (2006) found that disseminations of North American bird species were locomote significantly further north, near probably as a resultant of increasing temperatures. The extent to which animals react to global mode change, whether it be by dint of changing their distribution or reacting in others ways, will depend for the most part upon several concomitantors. The first is the geographical location of the species and the second being the heading of particular biological traits. These traits are related to factors such as communicable demand-up, ecology and aliveness history stages, influencing an individuals vulnerability to climate change. Specific traits take dependence upon a particular microhabitat, dispersal limitation collectable(p) to geographical barriers and low genetic diversity (Foden et al, 2008).Therefore, not all species will serve in similar ways, even when exposed to the same climatical conditions, implication that the persistence of few species will be peril much than others. Extinction, receivable to climate change, will be the likely reality for some species, and it has been estimated that 15-37% of erratic species will be committed to extinction by the year 2050 (Thomas et al, 2004). search is present-day(prenominal)ly very much centred on trying to identify those most at hazard and looking for possible ways to reduce predicted extinction rates . though much effort is being made, minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases, originally carbon dioxide, is the single ultimate action which could save a immense number of species (op.cit). The publication of a growing number of studies regarding extinction in relation to climate change is fashioning humans increasingly aware(p) of the vital actions that need to be taken in an tackle to conserves the earths biodiversity.1.1 AimsThe aim of this review is to evaluate how global climate change will affect the distribution and off methamphetamine hydrochloride of both terrestrial vertebrate and thornless(prenominal) species. Status is quite a broad term but in context of biology and hence this review, it primarily refers to conservation status examining how likely the animal is to become extinct in the future. Predicting the status of an organism is tangled and requires information regarding heterogeneous aspects of its ecology, such as its habitat, foraging strategy and br eeding behaviour. Research concerning a variety of animal groups will be examined, so that a wide range of potential difference effects across the animal kingdom can be identified. Here, four taxonomic groupings have been selected for review, due to their high vulnerability to climate change and/or high environmental importance. These taxa are to a fault heavily represented in the available belles-lettres. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) has been focused on due to its apace changing looking glass habitat. Insects and amphibians were selected mainly due to their ectothermic nature and are at that placefore passing sensitive to temperature. Finally birds were chosen due to their close association with climate, especially in migratory species. Although not every animal class has been reviewed, it is hoped that this literature review can provide a balanced evaluation with regards to an sphere of influence of science which is causing both increased social interest and concern at the present time.2.0 AmphibiansIt is widely accepted that amphibian populations are declining dramatically around the globe, with an estimated 43% of the complete species currently in deccourse (Lips et al, 2008). This has prompted a satisfactory number of studies, which have researched the possible factors responsible for amphibian reductions (Corn, 2005). Though climate change as a cause was considered relatively understudied in 2003, it has since received an increasing amount of attention (Carey and Alexander, 2003). Amphibians are terrestrial ectotherms, having life history stages which are very much sensitive to both environmental temperature and precipitation (op.cit). This suggests that they should be highly vulnerable to climate change, but past records have shown that existing amphibians have descended from ancestors that were able to cope with climatic extremes and variance (op.cit). Nevertheless, it still be highly principal(prenominal) to discover if, and how these animals will be affected by global climate change in the future. correspondence links between amphibian distribution and climate change is essential for their conservation, though relatively few studies have investigated this. Girardello et al (2010) undertook a study in an attempt to discover the likely implications of climate change on the distribution of amphibians in Italy. It was confirmed that climate greatly affects species distribution and precipitation plays a crucial role in determining range shifts (op.cit). blackball predictions were made in that the distributions of many amphibian species could reduce considerably. Mediterranean species such as Rana temporaria and those found in mountain habitats are of a main concern, as it was found that their distributions could falling off, despite the fact they may well colonize new areas (op.cit). one(a) of the reasons for this is that many species in these particular locations are highly climate specialised (op.cit). Therefor e, any small changes in climate could prove to be damaging in price of their distributions. Distribution reductions are not unaccompanied predicted for species in Italy but for those in other countries too. It is anticipate that the golden striped salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica), native to Spain and Portugal, will constrict its distribution between the historic period 2050 and 2080 (Corn, 2005). Research regarding 42 amphibian species throughout atomic number 63 produced some more promising conclusions. It was found that temperature predictions for 2050 are not likely to be a major threat to this group of animals, and it was besides reason out that they can be judge to expand their distribution (Araujo et al, 2006). This is due to the fact that the warming of northern europiuman areas will create new habitats, which species can exploit (op.cit). However, this will only be possible if the ability to fool is unlimited. ( sign 1 illustrates the predicted species extinctions with no dispersal/unlimited dispersal in Italy). The involvements of factors which maintain or reduce dispersal, such as habitat loss, will only decrease range size, possibly contributing to amphibian population declines in the future (op.cit).Figure 1 Projected amphibian species losses (no dispersal) and gains (unlimited dispersal) in Italy, Girardello et al (2010).Unfortunately, it elevates likely that during the time leading up to 2050, habitats will be further fragmented and destroyed. This does, however, assist current conservation, indicating that to aid the persistence of amphibian species both existing and potential habitats must be protected and managed in a way that will allow optimum dispersal. Given that the current conservation status of 32% of known amphibian species is either threatened or extinct, understanding their relationship with climate change is vitally required (http//www.iucnredlist.org/ initiatives/ amphibians/ analysis). There are various ways in whic h a changing climate could affect the status of amphibian species, through both say and indirect methods. For climate to have a direct negative effect, the levels of temperature, moisture and UVB (ultraviolet-b) radiation would need to exceed the lethal limit of a assumption species (Carey Alexander, 2003). Although recent studies have shown a correlation between amphibian declines and climate change, there has been little evidence to suggest that amphibians have been subjected to lethal levels of environmental variables (op.cit Corn, 2005). There are a number of ways in which climate change could indirectly affect individuals. Successful breeding is essential to promise the survival of any species. It has been suggested that climate change could interfere with reproduction by causing breeding to occur earlier. Tryjanowski et al (2003) found that the first spawning dates of R.temporaria and Bufo bufo shifted 8-9 eld earlier between 1978 and 2002 correlating with warmer spring temperatures. This could be both noxious and beneficial. It may provide more time for offset whilst reducing moving picture to UVB radiation (Corn, 2005). On the other hand, it could as well cause exposure to extreme spring temperatures (op.cit). Whilst some studies have shown significant trends towards earlier breeding, there have also been a similar proportion of findings concluding that climate has no influence upon breeding time (op.cit). Disease has been positively identified as a major cause for amphibian declines, and climate change could potentially facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, causing species to become more suasible (Lips et al, 2008). Chytridiomycosis is a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, and has been responsible for amphibian extinctions (Carey and Alexander, 2003). However, Lips et al (2008) found no evidence that climate change is the cause behind outbreaks of this disease. The chytrid fungus most likely prefer s cooler temperatures and requires an aquatic environment for transmission (Corn, 2005). Therefore, the current trend towards a drier, warmer climate is not likely to make headway outbreaks of this disease (op.cit). A second fungus, Saprolegnia ferax, has been reported to cause mortality in particular amphibian species. Bufo boreas appears to only be allergic to this pathogen in the presence of UVB radiation. Kiesecker et al (2001) concluded that low levels of precipitation during El Nio southern oscillation years caused the embryos of B.boreas to develop in shallower water. This in turn exposed them to extreme UVB radiation and as a consequence, the fungus caused mortality (op.cit). Although the association between current amphibian declines and climate remains uncertain, future climate change will inevitably provide secure challenges for amphibians. Whilst many of these challenges can be scientifically predicted, predicting how species will react proves to be more complex. Unfo rtunately, only time will tell which species will run and which species will fail to persist under the pressure of a rapidly change global climate.3.0 InsectsInsects are the most abundant group of animals on the planet, making up two thirds of all described extant animal species (Stange and Ayres, 2010). Like amphibians, insects are ectothermic so are also strongly influenced by external temperature and other climatic factors. They are extremely important within natural ecosystems due to their position at the bottom of the forage chain, and play vital roles in processes such as decomposition and pollination. Insects also have economic involvements, with some species acting as pests and vectors of diseases. Therefore, research focusing on how insects respond to climate change is beneficial for both the natural environment and human economy. Since the 1990s many studies regarding insects in connection to climate change have been carried out (Musolin, 2007). It is expected to exert powerful effects upon abundance, physiology and distribution, with effects becoming more prominent as the severity of climate change increases (Stange and Ayres, 2010). A change in the distribution of insects has been one of the most frequently reported responses (Musolin, 2007). Those species living in northern temperate regions appear to be expanding their range northwards or moving to higher altitudes (Maes et al, 2010). much(prenominal) shifts in distribution have been recorded in a Brobdingnagian number of species. In the year 2000, the distribution of the Southern green fetor bug (Nezara viridula) in Japan was found to have moved 70km further north of that recorded in the early 1960s (op.cit). Other suborder Heteroptera species, such as those living in Southern Europe, have been recently discovered in the north, probably as a result of climatic variation (op.cit). In Britain, species of Orthoptera have also extended their range. The signally warm summers of 1989/1990 caus ed the distribution of the long winged conehead (Conocephalus discolor) in north-western Europe to progress north and east (Cannon, 1998). The distribution of Lepidoptera has been well documented, owing to this groups high richness and dispersal ability, allowing distribution to be followed over a relatively picayune time period (Roy and Sparks, 2000). Observations of Lepidoptera species have been carried out for over 20 years in Finland and prominent northern range involutions have been recorded (Stange and Ayres, 2010). With many distribution shifts having already occurred, it is relatively easy to predict how a warmer future will affect present insect distributions. Range expansion towards the poles is most likely to become increasingly common, as insects seek out new habitats. A change in geographical distribution is just one way in which climate change has influenced, and will continue to influence, insects. A broad range of additional climate change induced effects, reveale d through recent studies, will most likely impact upon the future survival and fitness of many species. High temperature reduces the time that is needed for insects to try out their body temperature to the flight activity threshold (Beaumont and Hughes, 2002). As an outcome of this, there may be an increase in activities that rely upon flight, such as mate location and crank laying (op.cit). As a result, many of the predicted impacts upon romance species have been positive. However, other aspects of climate change, such as drought, may have undesired effects. Prolonged arid conditions can have a negative impact upon host plant growth and egg survival (Roy and Sparks, 2000). One of the most recognized changes observed in butterflies is rise in their first fashion (op.cit). This has been observed in most British butterfly species, showing a strong correlation with elevated temperatures. It has been predicted that per 1C temperature increase, the first appearance of butterflies co uld advance by 2-10 days (op.cit). Advances in appearance have also been demonstrated in other insect groups. One month advancement in the spring appearance of Heteroptera species was found in Japan, and was also a consequence of soaring temperatures (Musolin, 2007). Other responses tell in insects include behavioural responses in Heteroptera, though they havent been frequently discovered. In Italy, a large number of seed bugs entered urban buildings during the summer. Apparently, this was done in an attempt to escape the harsh high summer temperatures and to find more suitable conditions for aestivation (op.cit). The diversities of dragonfly, butterfly and grasshopper species are expected to decrease in Belgium, if the predicted climate scenarios for 2100 are correct (Maes, 2010). Mortality can be one of the direct consequences of temperature as insects have specie-specific upper and lower temperature limits. In peacock (Inachis io) and comma (Polygonia c-album) butterflies, the p roportions of individuals reaching adulthood differed dramatically with varying temperature (Bryant et al, 1997). 60% survived at 15-30C, 0% at 9C and 20-40% at 34C (op.cit). Whilst such implications of global climate change are worrying, there may be some potential benefits. Metabolic rate is expected to double with each 10C increase and mortality due to cold temperatures during the winter many reduce (Stange and Ayres, 2010). An increase in insect abundance is most probable and can be supported by recent outbreaks such as the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) in Central Europe (Cannon, 1998). The extent to which insects are susceptible to extinction will depend part upon their geographical location. Those continueing the tropics are likely to be most at risk as they are highly sensitive to temperature and are already living fairly close to their upper thermal limits (Deutsch et al, 2008). Population growth rates in the tropics are predicted to decrease by up to 20%, further reducing fitness (op.cit). Biological traits which will cause species to have a greater extinction risk include cut dispersal ability and low temperature tolerance. (op.cit). Most species which possess such characteristics inhabit low line of latitude areas. Unfortunately, whilst tropical areas are the most vulnerable, they are also the parts of the world which harbour the greatest biodiversity. In comparison, those insects in mid-high latitude areas are expected to experience increased population growth rates (op.cit). At higher latitudes, organisms are living at temperatures that are cooler than their optimum temperatures, so global warming could potentially resurrect their fitness (op.cit). It can be seen that much effort has been made in an attempt to understand the links between insects and global climate change, and research will continue to try and establish which species are of greatest conservation concern. However, a key consideration which will play a role in extinctions is th e extent to which species will be able to adapt (Cannon, 1998). Unfortunately, this is tremendously multiform to predict and as a result, many studies very much overlook, or some have even exaggerated potential evolutionary adaptations. During the quaternary period, big fluctuations in climate occurred, but the insect fossil record provides no evidence for large-scale evolutionary change during this time (op.cit). Many studies have also focused heavily upon temperature effects and have poorly investigated how rainfall and moisture could impact insects. However, this is mainly due to lack of information, as making predictions about rainfall patterns is relatively difficult. It can be expected that climate change will increase the abundance and distribution of the majority of insects but it must be remembered that responses will be specie-specific and care must be taken to avoid over-generalising predicted responses. Effort must be made to enhance our understandings, whilst aiming to fill current gaps in knowledge.4.0 Polar BearsThe polar bear is often regarded as a oceanic mammal. Although this animal is quite efficient at exploiting marine habitats, it cannot survive within marine waters. Therefore this large vulture can be more appropriately referred to as a terrestrial mammal as it lacks the specific adaptations possessed by true marine mammals such seals. Arctic sea- folderol is critical to the survival of polar bears, as they depend upon it for numerous aspects of their ecology (Sterling and Derocher, 1993). It acts as a substrate on which to make long distance bowel movements, provides access to maternal denning areas and is a platform for conjunction (op.cit). Most importantly, the frosting allows polar bears to feed and feed upon their primary fair game ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erigna indeed barbatus) (Regehr et al, 2010). Therefore, changes to sea-ice habitat are expected to have a dramatic impact upon the survival and r eproduction of individuals, ultimately affecting the status of the polar bear as a species. With global climate change well underway, changes to arctic ice have already been documented. Since 1978, 14% of the total amount of ice cover has already been lost (Derocher et al, 2004). Thinning of ice is occurring and sea ice is breaking earlier in the year and freeze later. It has been speculated that in as little as 100 years, the arctic ice cap may disappear completely (Sterling and Derocher, 1993). Numerous studies have demonstrated how changes in sea-ice, undoubtedly influenced by rising global temperatures, are causing polar bears to suffer as a result. Polar bears prefer to hunt on ice which lies over the continental shelf, as the waters here are more productive than arctic basin waters (Regeher et al, 2010). Therefore, long-range ice free periods over this area could lead to reduced foraging success and in turn could impact survival and reproduction. Between 2001 and 2005, decli nes in polar bear survival were observed (op.cit). This observation was linked to agelong ice free periods over the continental shelf. It forced individuals to spend more time hunting on ice situated over less productive waters and caused some to seek alternative prey on land (Stirling and Parkinson, 2006). In western Hudson Bay, Canada, the sea-ice now melts completely each year, loose polar bears no other choice but to spend a proportion of the year ashore (Regehr et al, 2010). Individuals on land suffer food shortages. Ice free periods in 2004 and 2005 were associated with rare behaviour (op.cit). There were relative incidences of cannibalism and even starvation, indicating the severity of food unavailability (op.cit). In addition, living on land increases the exposure to humans, further enhancing their risk (Sterling and Derocher, 1993). Research concerning female polar bears has produced somewhat disturbing conclusions. Not only are the weights of females decreasing (figure 2), reducing bloke survival and reproduction rates, but it is expected that within 100 years most females in Western Hudson Bay will be unavailing to reach the minimum body mass required to rear feasible offspring (Derocher et al, 2004).Figure 2 Mean estimated mass of lone (and thus possibly pregnant) adult female polar bears in Western Hudson Bay,1980-2004 (dashed line indicates fit of linear regression), (Sterling and Parkinson, 2006).Thinning of ice is also occurring due to climate change. Thinner ice moves more quickly which could mean that polar bears need to use more energy to stay in contact with their favourite(a) habitats (Derocher et al, 2004). Ice of reduced thickness also breaks up more easily. It has been shown that polar bears completely abandon ice and move to land when the concentration of ice drops below 50% (Derocher et al, 2004). This is most probably due to the increased be of locomotion which are associated with walking over fragmented ice (op.cit). Conside ring that ice is required for long-distance movements, changes in ice may influence the distribution of polar bears. Large areas of open water due to lack of ice in addition to strong currents, may function as barriers, preventing the movement of polar bears, as implicated in South-eastern Baffin Island and Eastern Beaufort Sea (Sterling and Derocher, 1993). by means of the assessment of a variety of studies, it can be seen that the future for polar bears within the midst of climate change does not look hopeful. They are highly specialised mammals, are already listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act and their habitat is declining rapidly (Derocher, 2010). The population most at risk is that in Beaufort Sea, as it is experiencing severe nutritional stress. forceful declines for this population are predicted and it may even vanish by the end of the century (Hunter, 2010). However, research has shown that there is still time to avoid such a scenario, providing effort is made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This indicates that the future of this species lies solely in the hands of policy makers, who have the supremacy to utilize the nesseccary changes needed for not only the preservation of this species, but for many more too.5.0 BirdsLocal variation in climate has long been recognised as an important factor affecting birds, but addressing how they will cope with long global climate change has only recently been attempted (Crick, 2004). migrant birds have been of great interest, and this isnt surprising, considering that regular long-distance flights enable individuals to exploit various climates in different locations around the globe. Warmer winters are predicted to cause a slight increase in the number of short-distance migrant and resident bird species, whilst there will be a strong decline in the number of long-distance migrants (Lemoine and Bohning-Gaese, 2003). This will likely be due to the increased competition resulting from resi dent bird species benefiting from the warmer conditions (op.cit). Migratory birds are also thought to be affected by mistiming, a result of climate change. This is when birds fail to breed at the time when their main food issue is most abundant (Both et al, 2006). A study concerning the long-distance migratory assorted flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) showed that populations declined by 90% in 20 years as a consequence of this (op.cit). However, on a more positive note, it has been suggested that migratory birds are faced with a lower extinction risk that sedentary species, due to their high mobility (Sekercioglu et al, 2008). With the forecast of an intermediate climate change scenario (surface warming of 2.8C), it can be expected that 5% of sedentary species will become extinct, compared to 1% of long-distance migrants (op.cit). Global climate change appears to be causing birds to lay their eggs earlier. Data derived from the British Trust of Ornithology Nest Record Scheme reveal ed that 51 UK species showed trends towards earlier laying over a 25 year period (Crick, 2004). These trends were apparent throughout a variety of bird groupings including seed eaters, corvids and water birds (op.cit). The pied flycatcher exhibited an increase in egg and clutch size when eggs were laid earlier, indicating that warmer temperatures may be advantageous (op.cit). By the year 2080, it has been estimated that laying dates will be earlier for 75% of bird species (Crick and Sparks, 1999). This is a positive prediction as the advancement of laying dates suggests that birds are coping with temperature rises (Both et al, 2004). It may also mean that the incidence of mistiming may be reduced as the timing of hatch will be brought closer to that of peak food supply. In terms of distribution, elevational distribution shifts are probable. Pounds et al (1999) studied the mountain sully forests of costa Rica. It was shown that global warming had caused the average altitude at the base of the orographic cloud base to rise. This resulted in the colonization of previously cloud forest areas by birds from lower altitudes (Crick, 2004). There are concerns that such changes could have a detrimental impact upon some species. Through poserling in the UK it has been suggested that species such as the snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) may contract their range or even vanish from current breeding areas in the mountainous zones of the Grampians, Scotland (op.cit). Sekercioglu et al (2008) undertook a study to discover the impact of elevational limitations on the extinction risk of land birds (87% of all bird species). It was found that limitations in elevation actually accounted for 97% of the probability of a species being in a World saving Union category of extinction risk (op.cit). Using a model that combined elevational limitations and four habitat loss scenarios, it was predicted that 400-550 avian land species will be extinct and a further 2150 will be at ri sk, under an intermediate climate change scenario for 2100 (Figure 3 and Figure 4).Figure 3 The number of world landbird species estimated to be extinct by 2100, on the basis of different surface warming estimates, three possible shifts in lower elevational limit and four Millennium Assessment habitat change scenarios (Sekercioglu et al, 2008).Figure 4 The number of world landbird species estimated to be at risk of extinction (near threatened or threatened) by 2100, on the basis of different surface warming estimates, three possible shifts in lower elevational limit and four Millennium Assessment habitat change scenarios (Sekercioglu et al, 2008).6.0 ConclusionAlthough most responses to global climate change are expected to be specie-specific, potential distributional changes appear to be quite uniform. Northern distribution shifts are likely to become increasingly common as species seek cooler climates. Elevational distributional changes will also occur, though elevational limitati ons in birds may increase their extinction risk. Impacts may range from phenological changes such as earlier breeding, to mortality resulting from temperatures exceeding thermal limits. Insects could potentia