A new study led by an ecology and evolutionary biologist at UC Santa Cruz sheds light on the profound effects of temperature fluctuations due to climate change, revealing a doubly detrimental impact on ecosystems. Not only do temperature changes destabilize animal populations, but the impacts accelerate as temperatures shift more rapidly, significantly affecting species composition across various ecosystems. The study, published on January 29 in Nature, emphasizes the far-reaching consequences of climate-induced temperature changes, including the possibility of ecosystem collapse if current trends persist.
The Role of Temperature in Ecosystem Stability
Temperature is a fundamental factor that influences many biological processes, from metabolic rates to behavioral patterns. The research team, led by Malin Pinsky, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz, aimed to understand how rapidly changing temperatures affect species composition and ecosystem stability. Their findings show that both warming and cooling temperatures drive significant changes in the types of species present in an ecosystem. The study is groundbreaking because it provides insight into the effects of temperature change on land and freshwater ecosystems, areas where the impacts have often been more difficult to measure compared to marine environments.
While the effects of temperature on ocean species have been more apparent and easier to measure due to observable changes like coral bleaching or fish migration, terrestrial species face subtler challenges. Unlike ocean species, which are often constrained by the vastness of the sea, land-based species can sometimes move short distances to find more suitable habitats. This ability to relocate provides some mitigation against the impact of temperature change. However, the study found that even terrestrial animals are highly susceptible to destabilization and species replacement due to temperature fluctuations, especially when those fluctuations occur at an accelerated rate.
Accelerated Species Turnover
One of the critical aspects of the study is the concept of species turnover, which refers to the loss and gain of species within an ecosystem over time. Species turnover is a natural process that happens continuously in ecosystems, but the researchers found that the rate of this turnover is increasing due to faster temperature changes. Rapid fluctuations in temperature, whether warming or cooling, are pushing species to either adapt, relocate, or face extinction. This accelerated turnover could lead to the loss of certain species, undermining the stability of ecosystems and possibly leading to their breakdown.
“It’s like shuffling a deck of cards, and temperature change now is shuffling that deck faster and faster,” said Pinsky. “The worry is that eventually you start to lose some cards.” As temperatures continue to change more rapidly, ecosystems may lose some of their species that are unable to keep pace with the shifting conditions. This could lead to a homogenization of species and a reduction in biodiversity, further destabilizing ecosystems.
The Importance of Diverse Habitats
The study also highlights the importance of habitat diversity in helping species cope with temperature changes. Ecosystems with a variety of habitats and microclimates provide organisms with more opportunities to adapt to fluctuating temperatures. For example, in an open field, an animal experiencing overheating would have no refuge from the sun. In contrast, if a forest were nearby, the animal could move to the shade of a tree to cool down. This ability to access “temperature escapes” is critical for the survival of many species in the face of climate change.
The researchers found that species in ecosystems with more varied habitats were more resilient to temperature changes. When species have access to different types of habitats, they can move between them to find conditions that better suit their needs. In ecosystems with less diversity of habitats, however, species are more vulnerable because they have fewer options for finding suitable climates. This finding underscores the importance of preserving landscapes that offer a range of temperatures and environments to support biodiversity.
Human Influence on Species Turnover
Human activity is another factor that exacerbates the impacts of climate change on species turnover. Land use changes, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species all contribute to reducing the diversity of habitats and increasing stress on species that are already at their temperature limits. The study found that human-induced habitat alteration can make species more vulnerable to temperature shifts, reducing their chances of survival in a changing climate.
By modifying landscapes—whether through urbanization, deforestation, or agricultural expansion—humans are narrowing the range of habitats available to species. This, in turn, limits the ability of species to adapt to temperature changes by moving into more suitable areas. Moreover, the spread of invasive species, which often thrive in disturbed environments, can further stress native species, pushing them beyond their limits and accelerating species turnover.
To mitigate these impacts and conserve biodiversity, the researchers suggest several strategies, such as preserving natural habitats, reducing pollution, and controlling the spread of invasive species. By protecting ecosystems from further degradation, humans can help provide species with the resilience they need to cope with climate change. In marine environments, reducing fishing pressures and establishing marine protected areas can also help safeguard ecosystems from the compounded effects of human activities and temperature changes.
The Path Forward
The findings of this study serve as a crucial warning about the increasing rate of species turnover and ecosystem destabilization due to climate change. To avoid the most severe consequences, such as the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of ecosystems, the study calls for urgent action to slow the rate of global warming and preserve diverse natural environments.
“Temperature affects everything from how fast the heart beats to how flexible and porous our cell membranes are; from how much food animals eat to how fast plants grow,” said Pinsky. “Temperature is in many ways the metronome for life.” As such, preserving a wide range of habitats with diverse temperature conditions is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and function.
The research team also emphasizes the importance of targeting conservation efforts based on the varying needs of different ecosystems. Some ecosystems, particularly those with less habitat diversity, may require more immediate attention and protection to ensure the survival of the species that depend on them. By pinpointing the factors that influence the rate of species turnover, such as temperature changes and habitat diversity, policymakers can better prioritize conservation actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study provides compelling evidence that rapid temperature changes are accelerating species turnover and destabilizing ecosystems. While species adaptation and behavioral changes can provide some mitigation, they are not sufficient to protect biodiversity in the face of increasingly rapid climate shifts. The study underscores the importance of preserving diverse habitats and natural landscapes to buffer species from the worst effects of climate change. By addressing human-induced factors like land use change and pollution, society can help protect ecosystems and maintain the essential services they provide, including clean air, water, and abundant wildlife. Ultimately, the study calls for a comprehensive approach to conservation that takes into account the complex interactions between climate change, habitat diversity, and human impact.
Reference: Malin Pinsky, Warming and cooling catalyse widespread temporal turnover in biodiversity, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-08456-z. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08456-z