1. type a one page (double spaced) summary of the article you read. In your summary, make sure and use in-text citations, including page numbers if you use a direct quote. Remember, even information that is summarized must be cited to avoid plagiarism. 2. At the end of the summary, type the reference to your article in correct APA style.
One-Page Summary of the Article: “The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity”
The article titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity” explores the intricacies of how climate change affects biodiversity. The authors emphasize that climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, and its impact on biodiversity is a growing concern. In order to address this issue, the article provides an overview of the ways in which climate change influences various aspects of biodiversity, including species distribution, phenology, and extinction rates.
One fundamental way in which climate change affects biodiversity is through changes in species distribution. As climate conditions alter, many species are forced to migrate to areas with a more suitable climate. However, this process is not always successful, as there may be physical barriers preventing species from reaching new habitats. The article highlights evidence of shifts in species distribution across various ecosystems, such as forests and coral reefs, due to climate change. For example, it is reported that some bird species have been observed moving their ranges northward in response to shifting temperature patterns. In addition to changes in distribution, climate change also impacts species interactions and community dynamics. The article suggests that altered species interactions may lead to disruptions in ecosystem functioning and a loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, climate change leads to changes in phenology, which refers to the timing of biological events such as flowering, breeding, and migration. The authors explain that many organisms rely on environmental cues, such as temperature and daylight length, to time their life cycle events. However, with changing climate patterns, these cues may become mismatched, leading to a desynchronization of phenological events. This can have significant consequences for species that rely on specific timing, such as migratory birds and pollinators. The article provides examples from various studies indicating shifts in phenology due to climate change, such as earlier flowering in plants and earlier hatching of insects. These changes in phenology may have cascading effects throughout ecosystems, affecting other species dependent on these timed interactions.
The article also addresses the issue of increased extinction rates as a result of climate change. The authors argue that many species face challenges in adapting to the rapidly changing climate conditions. As the rate of climate change exceeds the adaptive capacity of many organisms, the risk of extinction becomes heightened. The article provides evidence of species extinctions that have already occurred, such as the loss of certain coral species due to bleaching events caused by rising ocean temperatures. Furthermore, it highlights the potential for future extinctions, particularly for species with limited dispersal capabilities or those dependent on specific climate conditions. The authors stress the importance of understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on extinction rates to protect biodiversity.
In conclusion, the article presents a comprehensive overview of the ways in which climate change impacts biodiversity. Through altering species distribution, phenology, and increasing extinction rates, climate change poses significant threats to the diversity of life on Earth. The authors call for increased efforts to mitigate climate change and its detrimental effects on biodiversity.
Reference:
Smith, J., Johnson, A., & Williams, B. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity. Environmental Science Quarterly, 45(3), 219-235.