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A recent study suggests that the majority of species on Earth thrive best at a temperature of 20°C. However, this could mean that land species may have a harder time adapting to a changing climate.
Studies have shown that animals, plants, and microbes living in both air and water have overlapping temperature ranges at 20°C.
Researchers suggest that this specific temperature may be crucial for maintaining a diverse range of species.
Although numerous species have evolved to survive in both warmer and cooler climates, a considerable number still thrive at a temperature of 20°C.
The researchers state that temperatures higher than 20°C are not ideal for any form of life, including animals, plants, and prokaryotes.
The temperature is believed to play a crucial role in the effectiveness of biological functions, as a result of the characteristics of water molecules within cells.
The effectiveness of biochemical reactions within cells improves with higher temperatures, peaks at a certain point, and then decreases quickly when the temperature becomes too high.
According to researchers, temperatures above 20°C could lead to significant changes in organisms. These changes may include decreased ability to tolerate low oxygen levels in marine species.
The polar bear population is experiencing a critical situation of hunger due to the effects of climate change, which is causing them to stay on land for longer periods of time.
As the planet heats up, animals that are unable to relocate to suitable climates may face greater challenges in adjusting to their environment.
According to The Conversation, scientists state that marine species can adjust by changing their location, but land species may face difficulty doing so due to the impact of human development on the landscape.
The study suggests that regions with consistent temperatures above 20°C may result in a decrease in the variety of species found in the environment.
Researchers also discovered comparable indications of extinction in the fossil record during prolonged periods of temperatures exceeding this threshold.
The results contribute to increasing proof that the decline in biodiversity above 20°C will be exacerbated by climate change.
Scientists caution that this could result in a “streamlining” of ecosystems, resulting in a decrease in the number of organisms present in various locations.
According to experts, there will likely be increased competition among current species, which could lead to more limited habitats.
Source: independent.co.uk
