Coping with climate change

Question 1

Describe changing distribution of species

Answer 1

Climate change will cause the balance between species
Some benefit and become dominant and others aer lost because of competition
If they’re mobile or have good seed dispersal they migrate to favourable conditions

Question 2

Describe changing rainfall patterns

Answer 2

Some areas get more rain than others
Also affects development and life cycle
Affects distribution

Question 3

Describe disrupted development and life cycles

Answer 3

Metabolic reactions are controlled by enzymes
An increase in temp means metabolic reactions will speed up so rate of growth is faster so progress through life cycles faster and development is quicker

Question 4

Describe phenology

Answer 4

Study of seasonal events in the lives of animals and plants ie egg laying timing
Evidence from one species isn’t enough however trends can be statistically tested
Organisms are adapted to seasons so changing these affect development and distribution

Question 5

Describe making the most of food supply

Answer 5

Hatching time is matched with food availability
If temp changes, photoperiod changes changing hatch time and peak food availability would not match reducing survival rates

Question 6

What happens in cooler climates where photosynthesis is temp limited when temperature rises?

Answer 6

Faster photosynthesis as the enzyme catalysed reaction works quicker
No other factors are limiting

Question 7

What happens at low temperatures?

Answer 7

Little kinetic energy so very few collision so fewer enzyme substrate complexes reducing rate of reation

Question 8

Why does rate of photosynthesis increase is CO2 conc increases?

Answer 8

CO2 is a limiting factor