What is a consequence of changes in species distributions due to climate change?

Changes in species distributions due to climate change can significantly alter predator-prey dynamics. As species migrate to new areas to adapt to changing climate conditions, the interactions that have developed over time between predators and their prey may be disrupted.

For example, a predator that moves into a new region may encounter different prey species or face altered competition from other predators. This can lead to shifts in population sizes, as some prey may become more vulnerable to predation while others may thrive if their natural predators do not follow them into their new habitat. Such disruptions can have cascading effects on the ecosystem, influencing biodiversity, food web structures, and overall ecosystem stability.

In contrast, improved biodiversity overall, stabilized ecological interactions, and enhanced species resilience do not accurately reflect the multiple interconnected challenges that arise from species shifting their distributions. In fact, the reconfiguration of ecosystems due to climate change often threatens biodiversity as non-native species establish themselves and local adaptations are lost.