Global Warming Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Global Warming - Research Paper Example Increased temperature creates rapid and irreversible changes on both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Terrestrial habitats subjected to a higher temperature become drier and can no longer sustain life. Such loss of habitat affects animals and can be a precursor for extinction of some species. As temperature increases, the habitat ranges of most species shifts. The shift is healthy for these animals as it creates range reduction forcing the animals into less hospitable habitat or increased competition. The change is stressful to the animals. Some species are affected and have nowhere to go because they are forced to reach their upper limit of habitat. Habitat displacement and alteration favors only the animals that can adapt to these changes (UNEP 13). Increased temperatures affect wetland habitats. Wetlands are important habitat for fish and other aquatic animal and also serve as breeding grounds for many waterfowl. Increase in global temperature will mean a permanently drier and warmer future. Such changes will result in increased habitat destruction as the animals will have no place to live or to breed. The arctic habitats are the most affected by increasing temperatures. The ice sheet are melting, and glaciers are reducing. Animals such as the polar bears that live in these habitats are affected. Ocean acidification due to climate change result in bleaching of the coral reefs that are among the habitats with the highest biodiversity (Chen-Tung 312). Habitat destruction and alteration affects wildlife because climate change rapidly changes these ecosystems. Global warming is an example of climate change effects that along with habitat destruction and pollution can result in increased extinction rates of animals and other related species. Climate change affects both the biology and ecology of most animals. It changes the availability of resources necessary for the animals to survive. With the lack of food, water, and space, it is difficult for a