Final answer:
Phenology, the study of climatic effects on life cycle events, influences our connection to the ecosystem by affecting the timing of events such as flowering and migration. Mismatches in timing can have negative ecological consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phenology, which is the study of the effects of climatic conditions on the timing of periodic life cycle events in plants and animals, plays a crucial role in our connection to the ecosystem. As temperatures change due to climate change, it affects the timing of events such as flowering in plants or migration in birds. For example, researchers have found that plant species in Great Britain are flowering earlier, which can have ecological consequences. If the timing of plants and their pollinators becomes mismatched, it can negatively impact the ecosystem. Therefore, understanding phenology helps us understand and maintain our connection to the ecosystem.