How does the weather affect the wildlife?

Answer 1

Different species have different ranges of tolerance, which define the conditions where they can live, and optimal, or preferred temperatures, where they will be most productive.

Often, higher temperatures are associated with higher productivity, however, at extreme temperature values (which vary relative to the species), conditions become too harsh.

At the extreme of their zones of tolerance, organisms will be stressed and more vulnerable to other threats. An animal, for example, could be stressed directly under the conditions, and may also experience shortages of food if the organisms that it feeds on are stressed.

Long-term changes can lead to migrations as organisms shift to areas with more appropriate temperatures, or extinctions/extirpation if they cannot reach those areas.