*5.2.2 Blooming, pollination, and fructification*

Plant growth, blooming, pollination, and fructification are impacted by climate change [17–19]. With the occurrence of shorter winters and warmer springs, plants bloom earlier for a shorter period and die younger (**Figure 9**). Winter chill is essential for several fruit-producing trees. Insufficient chilling due to climate change can affect the productivity of fruit trees (e.g., less fruits, smaller fruits, and changes in color, texture, and taste of fruits) [17, 18]. Around 75% of the production of seeds and fruits for human consumption depend on pollinators. Pollinators, especially bees, are facing unprecedented challenges for survival. With the lack of synchrony between plants and pollinators due to shift in seasons and the decline in the number of pollinators, the production of fruits is decreasing while the cost is significantly increasing.

**207**

*5.3.2 Nutrition*

**Figure 10.**

*Impact of Climate Change on Life*

perish and become extinct.

*5.3.1 Habitat*

**5.3 Animals**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94538*

cheetahs, panda bears, and penguins (non-exhaustive list).

is drying up mainly because of climate change.

mammals and hypometabolism in large mammals.

*Climate change causes loss of habitat for polar bear.*

Climate change exposes animals to a variety of stressors, influencing metabolic and endocrine functions, with potential consequences for the survival of species [14, 20–28]. With climate change, more animal species are going extinct every year. Approximately 700 mammals and birds are impacted. The degree of vulnerability varies by the type of animal and different species will be affected in different ways. Species with low tolerance for rising temperature are vulnerable to extinction. The vulnerable/endangered animals include polar bears, koalas, elephants, sea turtles,

Species affected by climate change will either need to move to more suitable locations (e.g., higher elevations and latitudes) or to adapt to changes at their current locations (e.g., habitat, feeding and breeding patterns). If unable, they may

Climate change can cause habitat degradation or loss for several species (e.g., polar bears, koalas, and birds). Polar bears are dependent on sea ice. The increased temperature is causing the arctic sea ice to melt, damaging the polar bears' habitat (**Figure 10**) [23]. Koalas are dependent on eucalyptus tree. The increased temperature and drought are causing wildfire, destroying the koalas' habitat [24]. Lake Urmia (Iran) is a bird habitat and used to be a popular tourist destination. The lake

Survival of species can be affected by water/food availability/quality beyond those that species can tolerate. Unpredictability/shortage of water and food caused by climate change may lead to greater prevalence of torpor and hibernation in small

Polar bears will have trouble finding food as the sea ice thins and melts earlier. With limited food supply, the polar bears rely on their stored fat. They have to swim longer distances in the water and many young cubs die because of their inability to swim. Koalas' main food source is eucalyptus leaves. Each koala eats

**Figure 9.** *Climate change is responsible for earlier blooming time of plants.*
