The levels of CARBON DIOXIDE and METHANE in the atmosphere are INCREASING.
These are GREENHOUSE GASES — they trap heat energy near the Earth's surface.
As their levels rise, more heat is trapped, so the Earth's average temperature is increasing. This is GLOBAL WARMING.
Human activities that raise these gases include burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and farming livestock (which produce methane).
Biological consequences
Global warming has serious effects on living things:
CHANGES IN DISTRIBUTION — as temperatures change, some species can no longer survive where they used to live, so their geographic range shifts (often towards the poles or higher ground).
CHANGES IN MIGRATION PATTERNS — migrating animals (e.g. birds) may arrive earlier or travel to different places as seasons shift.
RISING SEA LEVELS — melting ice and the expansion of warmer water raise sea levels, flooding coastal HABITATS.
REDUCED BIODIVERSITY — species that cannot move or adapt fast enough may become extinct.
Evaluating the evidence
Scientists collect DATA on temperature, CO₂ levels, ice cover and species ranges from all over the world.
There is strong evidence that human activity is causing global warming.
We must be careful about UNCERTAINTIES — climate is complex and predictions rely on models — but the overall trend is clear.
You should be able to read graphs of these data and describe what they show without overstating certainty.
⚠️ Common Mistake
In BIOLOGY, focus on the LIVING consequences of global warming — changes in species distribution, migration, and biodiversity — not just the greenhouse-gas chemistry. Also, 'distribution' means WHERE a species lives (its range), not how many there are. Rising sea level is caused by BOTH melting ice AND warm water expanding.
📌 Key Note
Rising CO₂ and methane (greenhouse gases) trap heat → global warming. Biological consequences: changed species distribution, altered migration patterns, rising sea levels flooding habitats, and reduced biodiversity. Evidence comes from global data; treat model predictions with appropriate caution.
🎯 Matching Activity — Global Warming: Cause or Effect?
Sort each into a cause of global warming or a biological effect of it. — drag the symbols on the right to match the component names on the left.
Cause
Drop here
Cause
Drop here
Cause
Drop here
Biological effect
Drop here
Biological effect
Drop here
Biological effect
Drop here
Coastal habitats lost as sea levels rise
Changes in bird migration timing
Deforestation reducing CO₂ absorption
Rising carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels
Rising methane from livestock farming
Species distribution shifting towards the poles
🎯 Test Yourself
Question 1 of 2
1. Global warming changes the "distribution" of a species. What does distribution mean?
2. Which pair of processes is causing sea levels to rise?
⭐ How Well Do You Understand This Topic?
Be honest with yourself — this helps you know what to revise!
Don't get itGetting thereNailed it!
🤖 Ask Mr Badmus AI
Stuck? Just ask! 💬
I'll use FIFA for calculations and flag Higher/Triple content clearly.