<
https://theconversation.com/young-cold-blooded-animals-are-suffering-the-most-as-earth-heats-up-research-finds-190606>
"Climate change is making heatwaves worse. Many people have already noticed the
difference – and so too have other animals.
Sadly, research by myself and colleagues has found young animals, in
particular, are struggling to keep up with rising temperatures, likely making
them more vulnerable to climate change than adults of their species.
The study focused on “ectotherms”, or cold-blooded animals, which comprise more
than 99% of animals on Earth. They include fish, reptiles, amphibians and
insects. The body temperature of these animals reflects outside temperatures –
so they can get dangerously hot during heat waves.
In a warming world, a species’ ability to adapt or acclimatise to temperatures
is crucial. Our study found that young ectotherms, in particular, can struggle
to handle more heat as their habitat warms up. That may have dramatic
consequences for biodiversity as climate change worsens.
Our findings are yet more evidence of the need to urgently reduce greenhouse
gas emissions to prevent catastrophic global heating. Humans must also provide
and retain cool spaces to help animals navigate a warmer future."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
