Ecology in Action

Acclimatization and adaptation are two responses of organisms to a changing environment. Each species functions best in a particular thermal environment, and has adaptations that allow it to survive and reproduce successfully in that environment. The range of thermal conditions tolerated will vary with each species. Animals and plants face somewhat different challenges, as plants cannot move to a new environment, but there is also considerable overlap in how animals and plants deal with a variable thermal environment. Organisms must balance their internal water and solute concentrations within tolerable levels. Terrestrial species in dry environments have adaptations for procuring and conserving water, while aquatic species are more likely to be challenged to maintain the proper solute concentration. For many species, the problem of temperature regulation and water regulation are functionally linked, and there may be tradeoffs in how these two critical processes interact. Environmental temperature, water availability, and solute concentration influence species distribution and abundance. Climate change caused by human actions is already significantly affecting species distribution and abundance and ecosystem functioning.