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How has global warming affected the animal kingdom?

Mina Wolseley

Global warming, caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, has had devastating effects on the animal kingdom. The temperature rise not only affects the habitats where species live, but also disrupts their behavior patterns, damaging biodiversity and ecosystems.

One of the immediate effects of global warming is the alteration of migration patterns of migratory birds. Changes in temperature and rainfall disrupt feeding, mating and breeding patterns, which leads to a decline in their population. For example, in the Arctic, the declining population of sea ice and warmer temperatures has reduced the availability of prey for Polar bears, causing decreased weight, low birth rate and other reproduction problems, leading to their mortality.

Besides migratory birds, other animal species do not tolerate temperature fluctuations well. Those that are not adapted to hotter climates, such as coral reefs, are highly vulnerable to the rise in sea surface temperatures. Coral reefs host a variety of marine species, meaning that the disappearance of coral reefs will result in an ecosystem imbalance that leads to economic, food supply and biodiversity damages.

Another negative impact of global warming is the increase in water temperature, which explains the events of seasonal algal blooms, known as red tides. Red tides are detrimental to fisheries such as oysters and clams, as well as dolphins and sea turtles, which feed on the contaminated fish and in turn become sick or poisoned.

Also, the change in precipitation patterns due to global warming is directly affecting forests and woodlands, which are a home to many animal species. Excessive droughts kill trees and disturb the growth and germination of leaves, which in turn provide food and shelter to the wildlife. Wildfires, a direct consequence of high temperatures and low humidity, further destroy these forests, killing animals and reducing the already limited habitat for the surviving ones.

The extinction of a single species is also a significant loss as it leads to a chain of ecological imbalances. For instance, the pollinators such as bees play a crucial role in cross-pollination of vegetables, fruits, and trees, which are also valuable sources of nutrition and livelihood for humans. The alpine meadows and Arctic tundra regions, homes for various pollinators, could extinct if the warming continues.

In conclusion, global warming impacts the planet via diverse mechanisms, including the destruction of wildlife habitats, disturbing weather patterns, and species extinction. Although a global response is necessary to tackle this crisis, small gestures like choosing environmentally friendly products or recycling can help mitigate the effects of global warming. Governments, scientists, and individuals should join efforts to reduce the greenhouse effect and work towards a sustainable world in which living beings of all kinds can thrive.