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A recent study suggests that all species on Earth thrive at a favorable temperature of 20°C, but land species may face more difficulties in adapting to climate change.
A review of various studies has shown that the temperature range of living organisms, including animals, plants, and microbes, overlaps at 20°C in both air and water environments.
Researchers suggest that this particular temperature is crucial for the diversity of living organisms.
Although numerous species have evolved to thrive in varying temperature conditions, a significant number still reside in environments that maintain a temperature of 20°C.
Researchers state that temperatures higher than 20°C are not ideal for any form of life, including animals, plants, and prokaryotes.
The efficiency of biological processes is believed to be influenced by this particular temperature, as a result of the properties of water molecules within cells.
As temperatures increase, the effectiveness of chemical reactions within cells also increases until reaching a peak, after which it quickly decreases when temperatures become too high.
According to researchers, temperatures above 20°C could lead to significant changes in organisms. This could include decreased ability for marine species to tolerate low oxygen levels.
The polar bear population is at risk of starvation due to the prolonged periods of time they are being forced to stay on land as a result of climate change.
In a changing climate, animals that are unable to relocate to suitable temperatures may face greater challenges in adapting.
According to scientists writing in The Conversation, marine species can adjust by changing where they are found, but land species may have a harder time doing so because of human impacts on the environment such as urbanization, agriculture, and other infrastructure.
The study suggests that regions with consistently high temperatures above 20°C may see a decrease in the diversity of species within their landscapes.
Researchers also discovered comparable indications of extinctions in fossil records during extended periods of temperatures surpassing this threshold.
The results contribute to increasing proof that the loss of biodiversity, which is already occurring above 20°C, will be worsened by global warming.
Scientists caution that this could result in a “streamlining” of ecosystems, with a decrease in the diversity of organisms present in various locations.
They predict that there will be increased competition among current species, potentially leading to more limited habitats.
Source: independent.co.uk
