The impacts of global warming on biodiversity in the Arctic

Question 1

Impacts on the biodiversity in the Arctic

Answer 1

• Localised shifting of ecosystems in a poleward direction. Coniferous forests will expand into the tundra zone, which in turn will spread into fragmented areas of polar desert
• The tundra with its rare arctic plants, will shrink as rising sea levels drown coastal area
• Increased forest fires and insect infestations are expected to ravage coniferous forests and reduce both biomass and biodiversity
• Marine life will respond to warmer sea temperature and reduced ice cover. Improved food supplies will mean bigger fish stocks and the appearance of new species
• Fragile food webs could be easily damaged leading to the loss of tundra mosses and lichens that provide the main food for animals such as reindeer. Declining deer numbers will affect species that hunt them, such as wolves