Ecology
Over the past decades, birds living in central California have been getting larger. Scientists believe that climate change is to blame, but studies show that the populations of some animals and plants in our warmer world are declining.
Researchers from the University of San Francisco and other institutions observed birds, analyzing data on thousands of different bird species that live in two regions: the San Francisco Bay area and Point Rice Beach. It was noticed that the birds have recovered somewhat, and over the past 27-40 years, the birds' wingspan has increased.
“Climate change is leaving its mark on various ecosystems,” says Nat Seavy, a researcher at the Point Rice Research Center. “Our goal is to: Using data from years of observations, understand how, where and why such changes in ecosystems take place.”
Scientists believe that climate change is causing birds to change size for various reasons. They may be trying to store more fat in order to survive the severe winter storms that have become increasingly common with the onset of global warming.
Changes in plant growth can also affect the size of birds, experts say. It has already been noted that some plant and animal species are beginning to disappear due to warming.
“Although the fact that birds are adapting to climate change is a little encouraging,” says Seavey. “We are still concerned that environmental stressors are adversely affecting species or simply they are being replaced. What will happen to our ecosystems if some animals or birds become larger or smaller? Long-term research will help us understand how this will affect the world around us in the future,” Sivi said.