Climate change is causing global temperatures to rise. Explain how rising temperatures caused by climate change could affect the distribution and survival of a named animal species.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Global average temperatures have increased by approximately 1.2 °C since pre-industrial times. Scientists predict that many species will be forced to shift their geographic ranges as a result of climate change.
Model answer (5 marks)
The snow‑shoe hare (Lepus americanus) is a good example.
1. Rising temperatures reduce the extent of its cold‑adapted tundra habitat.
2. The hare must move northward or to higher elevations to find suitable snow cover and forage.
3. Its main food, lichens and tundra vegetation, decline as the vegetation zone shifts, lowering food availability.
4. If the hare cannot relocate quickly enough or find adequate food, its population will shrink.
5. Continued loss of habitat and food could ultimately lead to local extinction.
1. Rising temperatures reduce the extent of its cold‑adapted tundra habitat.
2. The hare must move northward or to higher elevations to find suitable snow cover and forage.
3. Its main food, lichens and tundra vegetation, decline as the vegetation zone shifts, lowering food availability.
4. If the hare cannot relocate quickly enough or find adequate food, its population will shrink.
5. Continued loss of habitat and food could ultimately lead to local extinction.
Examiner tips
- Name a specific species and link it to a cold‑adapted habitat. Use terms like "tundra" and "snow cover". Show the chain: temperature → habitat change → migration → food loss → population decline.
- Use the word "migrate" or "move" to satisfy the migration point.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Names a specific animal species
- Rising temperatures mean the habitat/environment of the named species becomes less suitable / changes significantly
- The species may migrate/move to a different geographic area / further towards the poles or to higher altitudes to find suitable conditions
- Food sources / prey species may also be affected, reducing food availability for the named species
- If the species cannot adapt or migrate successfully, population numbers will decrease / the species could become extinct
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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