How can climate affect ecosystems?

An "ecosystem" is a defined region that supports a particular variety or type of living things. The inter-relationship of the flora and fauna are determined by the cycles and ranges of temperatures, the available water - ground and precipitation, including its form (liquid or ice) - and food-chain nutrients.

Thus, the type of climate determines the type of viable ecosystem that can be developed or maintained in a particular region. Ecosystems adapted to colder climates do not do well - or even survive - in hotter climates, for example. Nor are those of equatorial regions able to thrive in temperate or colder climates.

Climate can affect ecosystems in several ways. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the distribution of species, disrupt food webs, and impact the availability of resources such as water and nutrients. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and storms can cause physical damage to ecosystems and lead to population declines or even extinctions. Shifts in climate can also affect the timing of biological events like flowering, migration, and hibernation, which can disrupt ecological interactions and biodiversity. Overall, climate influences the structure and function of ecosystems, shaping their composition, dynamics, and resilience.