Ecosystems respond to climate change in various ways:
1. **Shifts in Species Distribution:** Some species may move to higher latitudes or altitudes in search of suitable climate conditions, disrupting local ecosystems.
2. **Altered Phenology:** Climate change can affect the timing of natural events, like flowering and migration, leading to mismatches between species' life cycles.
3. **Increased Stress:** Ecosystems can experience stress due to extreme weather events, such as droughts and heatwaves, which can harm plant and animal populations.
4. **Ocean Acidification:** Rising CO2 levels lead to ocean acidification, affecting marine ecosystems and coral reefs.
5. **Changes in Habitats:** Melting ice and rising sea levels can lead to the loss of habitat for polar bears and other species.
6. **Invasive Species:** Climate change can create new opportunities for invasive species to thrive and disrupt native ecosystems.
These responses have complex and interconnected effects on ecosystems, which can have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
