The relative performance of amphibians adapted to tropical (dashed line) and temperate (solid line) climates as a function of temperature is shown below. Assume that global warming will result in an equal increase in mean temperatures over the next 30 years in both regions. Which of the following statements about the effects of global warming on these two amphibians is most likely?
The question involves understanding how amphibians adapted to different climates might be impacted by global warming. Let's analyze the given information step by step:
From the graph, we observe that the relative performance of tropical amphibians (dashed line) peaks at a higher temperature compared to temperate amphibians (solid line). This indicates that tropical amphibians are adapted to warmer climates.
Both amphibians will experience an equal increase in temperature due to global warming. Since tropical amphibians are already accustomed to higher temperatures, an increase in temperature could push them towards or beyond their optimal performance range.
Temperate amphibians, on the other hand, are adapted to cooler climates. Although they will be impacted by the rise in temperature, their performance range is likely not yet at the extreme. Therefore, they might not be as negatively impacted as tropical amphibians.
Therefore, the most likely effect of global warming would be that tropical amphibians will be more negatively impacted than temperate amphibians, as they are pushed beyond their optimal temperature range.
Thus, the correct answer is: Tropical amphibians will be more negatively impacted than temperate amphibians.
The table below lists potential environmental conditions in future climates, related to atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations ($CO_2$) and mean annual temperature (MAT).
The table also lists potential outcomes with respect to whether conditions will favour grasses with C3 or C4 photosynthetic pathways.
Assuming no other changes in environmental conditions, match the options in the two columns.
| Environmental conditions | Outcomes |
| (P) Increased $CO_2$, no change in MAT | (i) C3 performs better than C4 |
| (Q) No change in $CO_2$, increased MAT | (ii) C4 performs better than C3 |
| (iii) C3 and C4 perform equally |