What effect does climate change have on biodiversity?

Climate change significantly impacts biodiversity primarily by causing dramatic shifts in habitats and increasing extinction rates. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species struggle to adapt to their new environments. This can lead to altered ecosystems where certain species may thrive while others face decline or extinction due to habitat loss or increased competition.

For instance, the warming of oceans can lead to coral bleaching, drastically affecting marine biodiversity. Similarly, terrestrial species may be unable to migrate to cooler areas fast enough to survive, leading to population declines and loss of species. The alteration of ecosystems disrupts food webs, plant-pollinator relationships, and other critical interactions, further contributing to higher extinction rates.

While the other answers suggest potential outcomes that might seem favorable or wholly negative for biodiversity, they don't accurately reflect the scientifically supported impacts of climate change on ecosystems and species survival.