What is a likely response of species to rising temperatures regarding their distribution?

Species are likely to respond to rising temperatures by shifting their distribution to higher elevations or latitudes. This phenomenon is primarily driven by the need to maintain a suitable habitat that meets their environmental requirements, such as temperature and moisture levels.

As temperatures rise globally due to climate change, many species find their current habitats becoming less hospitable. This is particularly relevant for organisms that are sensitive to temperature changes, such as certain plants and animals. By moving to higher elevations, they can find cooler conditions that better match their survival needs. Similarly, shifting towards higher latitudes can also provide a more suitable climate, as areas that were once too cold may become more temperate, allowing species to expand their range.

This adaptive response helps species to cope with changing environmental conditions, enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction. Many studies have documented such movements in various taxa, demonstrating that shifting distributions is a common strategy among species facing climate change challenges.

In contrast, staying in their current habitats or becoming extinct do not provide solutions to the pressures exerted by increasing temperatures, and halting migration would limit their ability to adapt to changing conditions. Therefore, moving to higher elevations or latitudes is the most likely response for many species.