What impact does climate change typically have on wildlife?

Climate change significantly impacts wildlife primarily by altering their natural habitats, food availability, and migration patterns. As the climate changes, ecosystems can be disrupted, leading to shifts in the geographical distribution of species and the environments they inhabit. For example, rising temperatures can cause certain habitats, like wetlands or forests, to change in ways that may not be suitable for the species that currently reside there. Additionally, as temperatures rise or precipitation patterns change, the types of plants available as food sources for herbivores can also be affected, impacting the whole food chain.

Moreover, many species rely on specific seasonal cues for migration. Changes in climate can disrupt these cues, leading to misaligned migration times that can affect breeding, feeding, and survival rates. For instance, birds that migrate based on temperature changes may arrive at their breeding grounds too early or too late to find adequate food resources. This cascading impact can ripple through ecosystems, leading to decreased wildlife populations and, in some cases, extinction for species unable to adapt quickly enough.

The other options do not accurately reflect the complexities of climate change's effects on wildlife. Increased population sizes are not a blanket outcome of climate change; in fact, it often leads to population declines rather than increases. While some might think climate change has