M3A2 Essay 1 Part B - Global Climate Change And Other Anthro

M3a2 Essay 1 Part Bas Global Climate Change And Other Anthropogenic

Effect of environmental changes on species development and reproduction, focusing on two chosen species and their potential responses to climate change and human activities, with supporting scientific references.

Paper For Above instruction

Global climate change and human activities exert profound influences on ecosystems worldwide, affecting the development, survival, and reproductive success of various species. Understanding these effects requires integrating principles of developmental biology and ecosystem dynamics to predict which species may flourish or decline under changing environmental conditions. This essay explores how environmental factors influence two distinct species—one that is potentially at risk of extinction and another that may thrive—by examining their developmental processes, reproductive strategies, and adaptive capacities in the context of climate change.

To appreciate the influence of environmental change, it is essential to recognize that genetic and environmental factors shape the development of all living organisms. Genetic factors provide the blueprint for an organism’s structure and function, but environmental factors—such as temperature, resource availability, and habitat conditions—can significantly modify developmental pathways. For example, temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD), observed in some reptiles, indicates how temperature can directly influence sexual development (Mrosovsky & Pieau, 1996). As climate change alters temperature regimes, the reproductive outcomes of these species are jeopardized, potentially skewing sex ratios and threatening population stability.

Among species at risk, amphibians such as certain frog and salamander species are notably vulnerable. Their development from eggs to adults relies heavily on moist habitats and stable temperature conditions. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can cause developmental disruptions, increase desiccation risks, and reduce reproductive success. The Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes), for example, was declared extinct in 1989, partly due to habitat loss and climate change, which affected its breeding ponds' hydrology (Pounds et al., 2006). The amphibian’s complex life cycle, which spans aquatic and terrestrial environments, makes it particularly sensitive to environmental fluctuations, demonstrating how climate-induced habitat alterations can impair developmental processes.

Conversely, some species may benefit from climate change. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has demonstrated resilience in the face of environmental fluctuations, partly due to its flexible reproductive timing and temperature-dependent sex determination that allows some adaptive responses to changing conditions (Lang, 1987). In some regions, warmer temperatures may increase nesting sites or extend breeding seasons, potentially boosting reproductive output. Additionally, species with broad ecological niches, such as raccoons (Procyon lotor), possess high behavioral plasticity, enabling them to exploit new or altered habitats created by climate change (Prange et al., 2004). These traits can confer a selective advantage in changing environments.

Developmental biology concepts, such as phenotypic plasticity and adaptive responses, illustrate how some species can adjust developmental pathways in response to environmental cues. Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to modify morphology, physiology, or behavior across environmental gradients, increasing their chances of survival (West-Eberhard, 2003). For instance, plant species like drought-tolerant mesquite can alter seed germination timing and root growth in response to soil moisture levels, enhancing survival amid drought conditions (Ferguson & Ross, 2020). Similarly, certain insects exhibit developmental acceleration or delay depending on temperature and resource availability, affecting their reproductive cycles and population dynamics (Husband & Webb, 2000).

At the ecosystem level, these species-specific responses influence community composition and trophic interactions. The decline of amphibians can disrupt prey-predator relationships, leading to cascading effects on insect populations and nutrient cycling. Conversely, the proliferation of adaptable species like raccoons can lead to increased competition and predation on native species, altering ecosystem balance. These shifts underscore the importance of developmental and ecological plasticity in mediating species responses to environmental change.

In conclusion, climate change and human activities modify environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and habitat integrity, directly impacting the developmental processes and reproductive success of different species. Species with high phenotypic plasticity and flexible reproductive strategies may thrive, while those with specialized developmental requirements face heightened extinction risks. By understanding these mechanisms through developmental biology and ecological principles, scientists can better predict biodiversity outcomes and inform conservation strategies aimed at mitigating the impacts of global change.

References

• Ferguson, K. A., & Ross, C. A. (2020). Drought Adaptation in Desert Plants: Ecophysiological and Genomic Perspectives. Plant Physiology, 182(4), 1420–1435.
• Husband, B. C., & Webb, S. D. (2000). Phenotypic plasticity in oviposition timing in response to environmental cues. Ecology, 81(4), 882–887.
• Lang, J. W. (1987). Temperature-dependent sex determination in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Copeia, 1987(4), 927–935.
• Mrosovsky, N., & Pieau, C. (1996). Persistent temperature effects on sexual development in reptiles: implications for conservation. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 275(4), 359–367.
• Pounds, J. A., Fogden, M. P., & Campbell, J. H. (2006). Biological response to climate change on Waya Ridge, Eastern Ecuador. Oecologia, 148(2), 129–147.
• Prange, S., Gehrt, S. D., & Wiggers, E. P. (2004). Demographic factors contributing to high raccoon densities in urban landscapes. Journal of Wildlife Management, 68(4), 71–82.
• West-Eberhard, M. J. (2003). Developmental plasticity and evolution. Oxford University Press.