How does temperature affect wildlife distribution?

Temperature plays a crucial role in influencing wildlife distribution, particularly through its effects on reproductive cycles and food availability. Many species have specific temperature ranges that are optimal for reproduction; variations in temperature can lead to shifts in breeding seasons, success rates, and the timing of life cycle events. For instance, warmer temperatures might trigger earlier breeding in some species, which can affect population dynamics.

In addition, temperature directly impacts the availability and growth of plants, which are vital food sources for herbivores and subsequently for carnivores that rely on them. Changes in temperature can influence primary productivity, leading to alterations in the abundance and distribution of both flora and fauna. Consequently, animals may expand their ranges into new areas where temperatures are more favorable for their survival and reproduction, while potentially retreating from areas that become less suitable.

This interplay between temperature, reproduction, and food supply underscores its significance as a determining factor in wildlife distribution. It showcases the intricate relationships within ecosystems and how temperature can create cascading effects through various trophic levels.