Question

What is the likely evolutionary effect on a species of an increase in global temperatures over time?

Answer 1

Increase in global temperatures is likely to result in species moving towards poles or higher elevations, extinctions due to rapid changes, and potentially significant biodiversity loss in tropical lowlands.

Step-by-step explanation:

The likely evolutionary effect on a species of an increase in global temperatures over time includes shifts in species distributions, possible extinctions before evolution leads to new adaptations, and changes in ecosystems. Global warming may prompt species to move poleward or to higher elevations, yet tropical species may face challenges as the plateau in temperature between the Tropics limits latitudinal range shifts, making upslope shifts the primary option. This effect can lead to lowland biotic attrition as tropical species at their thermal limit move higher for cooler conditions, potentially leaving behind no replacement species pool.

Global warming, with its rapid and inexorable increases in temperature, can have a significant effect on a species. When change occurs rapidly, species can become extinct before evolution can offer new adaptations. Many scientists believe that global warming is tipping the balance beyond the point at which many species, such as the world's coral reefs, can recover.

Answer 2

The evolutionary effect on a species of an increase in temperature may be in come into two. The first is that the species may become adaptive to the change by developing specific organs that allow itself to cool off. However, if the increase in global temperature is too much for a certain species to handle, it may be become extinct.