Global biomes Flashcards
Intro
Human-mediated climate change is expected to have significant impacts on ecosystems worldwide, particularly in Mediterranean, Dry Tropical, Arctic, and Alpine biomes. Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature due to climate change will challenge the ecological characteristics of these biomes, with cascading effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
1st para - Mediterannean biomes
Mediterranean ecosystems are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, supporting a unique flora and fauna adapted to drought conditions. These ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to temperature increases and changes in precipitation patterns. The predicted rise in temperatures and reduced rainfall will exacerbate drought conditions, potentially leading to shifts in plant species composition and the decline of water-sensitive species (EPA, 2017). Furthermore, longer dry periods could increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, which threaten plant and animal species adapted to fire-prone environments (Royal Society Publishing, 2019). According to IPCC models, Mediterranean regions will likely experience hotter and drier conditions, pushing ecosystems beyond their adaptive thresholds by 2100, thus affecting agricultural productivity and water availability (IPCC, 2021).
2nd para -dry tropical biomes
Dry tropical biomes, found in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America, are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons and are home to drought-resistant species. The anticipated increase in temperature coupled with erratic rainfall patterns could lead to longer dry seasons, intensifying water scarcity and threatening the survival of plant and animal species dependent on seasonal water availability. The disruption of these patterns may also cause shifts in vegetation types, from forest to savanna or desert, with consequences for biodiversity (PMC, 2020). Increased temperatures are expected to decrease soil moisture, further hindering plant growth and food security for local communities.
3rd para - artic
The Arctic is particularly sensitive to climate change, with rising temperatures causing the rapid melting of ice sheets and permafrost. The warming of this biome, at rates significantly higher than the global average, leads to habitat loss for species like polar bears, seals, and migratory birds that rely on ice-covered areas. Thawing permafrost also releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, further accelerating global warming (Wiley Online, 2020). IPCC models predict that the Arctic could warm by as much as 5-9°C by the end of the century, which would drastically alter the region’s ecological balance, affecting both terrestrial and marine ecosystems (IPCC, 2021). The loss of ice will reduce the albedo effect, further increasing temperatures and perpetuating the cycle of warming.
4th para - alpine/mountain
Alpine ecosystems, located at high altitudes, are characterized by low temperatures, short growing seasons, and high levels of endemic species. These biomes are highly vulnerable to temperature increases, which may cause a shift in species distributions as alpine plants and animals move to higher elevations in search of cooler habitats. However, as altitudes increase, available habitat becomes limited. The reduction in snow cover, an essential habitat for certain species, along with a reduction in permafrost, could further disrupt these ecosystems. Alpine ecosystems also depend on slow, steady water release from snowmelt, and earlier melting may alter the timing of water availability, impacting plant and animal life cycles (Royal Society Publishing, 2019).
Conc
In conclusion, the ecological characteristics of Mediterranean, Dry Tropical, Arctic, and Alpine biomes are highly vulnerable to predicted changes in temperature and rainfall due to human-driven climate change. As outlined by IPCC models, the intensification of these changes up to 2100 will drive significant shifts in these ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, disrupting food and water availability, and leading to the loss of critical ecosystem services. The urgency of addressing climate change lies in mitigating these impacts and ensuring the resilience of these biomes for future generations.
