Animal Species Are Shuffling

Extreme temperature fluctuations caused by climate change are dramatically reshaping animal species, leading to significant shifts in their presence within various ecosystems. This is the conclusion of a study led by the University of California – Santa Cruz and published in Nature.

“It’s like shuffling a deck of cards,” said lead author Malin Pinsky. “And now, temperature changes are shuffling that deck faster and faster. The concern is that, eventually, we may start losing some cards.”

The study is unique because it provides an unprecedented look at how temperature swings impact terrestrial and freshwater animals. Unlike marine species, land animals can typically only move short distances to find new habitats that match their temperature needs. While this movement can help mitigate some effects of temperature changes, the research shows that land-based species are highly susceptible to instability and displacement due to rising temperatures.

The researchers focused on species replacement rates—the rate at which species leave or arrive in different ecosystems. They found that these rates are increasing as temperature changes accelerate. If this trend continues, many species could be lost, potentially leading to ecosystem collapse. The study emphasizes that the best ways to prevent this are to limit further global warming, preserve landscapes with diverse temperature conditions, and reduce human-induced environmental disturbances.

Taking these actions could result in more abundant wildlife, cleaner water, and purer air. The researchers also point out that human activities—such as land development, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species—worsen the impact of temperature changes on species replacement. This is likely because human activity reduces habitat diversity and increases stress on species already living at the edge of their temperature limits.

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