*Global warming

Question 1

Global Warming

Answer 1

The consequences of global warming include:

Question 2

Distribution of species

Answer 2

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes have already spread to several European countries.
It is possible that malaria and similar exotic diseases will become an established part of life as far North as the UK in the near future.

Question 3

Sea surface temperatures

Answer 3

Rising sea surface temperatures are causing bleaching of sensitive corals.

Question 4

Ice

Answer 4

Melting ice causes sea levels to rise, which could flood coastal habitats forever, losing the land and associated biodiversity.
Changes to the way sea ice changes through the year is affecting the survival of animals at both poles.

Question 5

Reduction of biodiversity

Answer 5

The rate at which the climate is changing makes rapid adaptation key to avoiding extinction.
This is particularly challenging for large-bodied animals that typically have longer generation times.

Question 6

Extreme meteorological events

Answer 6

Extreme meteorological events, such as floods, droughts, severe storms and wildfires are happening more often. flash floods

Question 7

Migration patterns

Answer 7

Many migration patterns are likely to be altered by global warming.

Question 8

Ocean acidification

Answer 8

Increased acidification (becoming more acidic) of the oceans is making it harder for corals to build their skeletons.

Question 9

What happens as a result of melting ice?

Answer 9

sea levels rise

Question 10

Maintaining Biodiversity

Answer 10

Programmes have been established by scientists and governments that attempt to mitigate (soften) the negative impact of humans on ecosystems and biodiversity:

Question 11

Rare and threatened habitats

Answer 11

Efforts are being made into the protection and regeneration of these habitats.

Question 12

Recycling waste

Answer 12

Recycling slows down the expansion of landfill sites and reduces the need to extract new natural resources.

Question 13

Government-imposed targets

Answer 13

These can be related to things like deforestation and emission reductions.

Question 14

Breeding programmes

Answer 14

Breeding programmes for endangered species can be important for preventing extinction events.

Question 15

Incentivising farmers

Answer 15

Farmers are being incentivised to maintain field margins and hedgerows, as these habitats can support biodiversity.

Question 16

Efforts are being invested into the conservation and regeneration of rare and endangered habitats.

Question 17

Can you think of an example of a successful breeding programme?

Answer 17

A classic success story is that of the Californian condor.
Numbers reached as low as just 23 in 1982, shortly after which all remaining individuals were taken into captivity.
Since the reintroduction of captive-bred individuals began, the wild population has grown to over 400 birds.

Question 18

Rising sea surface temperatures are causing bleaching of sensitive corals.