By Christopher Le Coq (Scitizen)

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Arctic Biodiversity: certain loss, potential discoveries?

By Christopher Le Coq (Scitizen)

5 Jul, 2007 10:06 am

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Biodiversity in the Arctic is undergoing rapid changes, which is a serious concern to scientists. On the other hand new access to the Arctic waters could also translate into better research conditions.

Climate change represents a threat to the biodiversity in every part of the globe, but in particularly in the Arctic. A few highly independent species subsist in this region in extreme conditions. This means that they have an extremely difficult time adapting to mild changes. Indeed, the Arctic is the region that is expected to witness the most radical changes in temperature over the next coming years. This rapid radical change will make it even more difficult for these species to survive. Take a couple obvious examples, first the polar bear. It is predicted to become extinct before the end of the 21st century. Once the large segments of ice on which it uses to hunt are either gone or too far apart for it to reach by swimming, the species will be doomed. The same holds true for the Arctic seals that rely on the large piece of floating ice for breeding grounds, and are also a food source for polar bears. Yet, on the flip side new species are being discovered that were once inaccessible to scientists thanks to the retreat of the ice sheets. Looking on the bright side maybe some of these species will become landmark discoveries.

Read more..

Arctic in The Balance
Northwest Passage Soon to Be Exploited
"We Are Frightened of Pollution and New Invasive Species Taking Over"
"The Arctic is a Treasure Trove of Natural Resources"

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Biodiversity

By Christopher Le Coq (Scitizen)

biodiversity,

climate change

arctic

biodiversity

Arctic Biodiversity: certain loss, potential discoveries?

By Christopher Le Coq (Scitizen)

Biodiversity in the Arctic is undergoing rapid changes, which is a serious concern to scientists. On the other hand new access to the Arctic waters could also translate into better research conditions.

biodiversity,

climate change

arctic

biodiversity

More contributions

Global conservation priorities based on human need

Tropical forests worth more standing

The Island Rule: Made to be Broken?

Marine reserves and climate change: study finds no-take reserves do not increase reef resilience

The Rockefeller Foundation and climate change