# Climate change is causing global temperatures to rise. Explain how rising temperatures could affect the distribution and survival of a species of butterfly that currently lives only in southern England.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 3.3 Climate change · Explain · 5 marks

> A species of butterfly is currently found only in the south of England. Scientists have recorded that average temperatures in the UK have increased by approximately 1°C over the last century and predict further increases in the coming decades.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Rising temperatures mean conditions further north (or at higher altitudes) become more suitable / warmer for the butterfly
2. The distribution of the butterfly shifts / expands northwards (or to higher altitudes)
3. Warmer temperatures may allow the butterfly to breed / reproduce more successfully or for a longer season
4. If temperatures rise too much / beyond the butterfly's tolerance range, survival in the south may decrease / the butterfly may no longer survive in its original range
5. Changes in the distribution of the butterfly's food plants / prey due to climate change could reduce food availability and threaten survival

## Key terms

- [distribution](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/distribution)
- [climate change](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/climate-change)
- [survival](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/survival)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/climate-change-is-causing-global-temperatures-f40c52b7) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.