How does climate change affect biodiversity and marine organisms?
Climate change affects all living organisms in an ecosystem. Changes in temperature, precipitation, ice cover, etc. impact the breeding, migration, and feeding behaviors, as well as other life activities of many species. As the climate changes, species will have to adapt or migrate to other region. If they cannot, they may become extinct. Scientists are already observing changes that affect marine organisms. Climate change causes sea ice to form later in the fall and melt earlier in the spring. As a result, polar bears have less time to hunt and store energy for the summer and fall when food is scarce. Some species of seal, such as the harp seal, are also affected by changing ice conditions. Studies show that the survival rate of sea pups is not as high as in years when sea ice is in short supply. Penguins, albatross, and whales also rely on sea ice as part of the ecosystem which supports their food web. As the climate warms, and ice changes, these food webs are shifted out of balance,
