# Explain how increasing global temperatures can alter the geographical distribution of terrestrial species and describe the potential ecological consequences of these changes.

> IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus) — D4.3 Climate change · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Species have specific temperature tolerance ranges for their metabolic processes and survival.
2. As temperatures exceed these tolerance limits, species may shift their geographical range towards cooler regions.
3. These range shifts can lead to new competitive or predatory interactions with existing species in the new habitat.
4. Ultimately, this can disrupt food webs, alter community structures, and lead to reduced biodiversity or local extinctions.

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