How does climate change primarily impact wildlife?

Climate change primarily impacts wildlife through habitat loss and altered food availability. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many ecosystems undergo significant transformations. For instance, forests may become dryer or wetter, affecting the plant species that thrive there. Similarly, aquatic habitats such as rivers and lakes can change in temperature and flow patterns, impacting the species that depend on them.

These changes can lead to the loss of critical habitats for various species, forcing them to migrate to new areas where conditions are more favorable. However, not all species can adapt or move quickly enough to these changes, resulting in population declines or even extinctions. Additionally, shifts in climate can disrupt the timing and availability of food sources. For example, if a plant species blooms earlier due to warmer temperatures, the animals that rely on it for food may not be able to find enough to eat if their reproductive and migratory patterns do not adjust accordingly.

In summary, while factors such as population size and genetic mutations can be influenced by climate conditions, the direct and immediate impacts seen in wildlife due to climate change are primarily linked to habitat loss and changes in food availability.