Scientists warn that climate change is leading to the extinction of bumblebees

Scientists warn that climate change is leading to the extinction of bumblebees
Scientists warn that climate change is leading to the extinction of bumblebees
Anonim

Researchers at the University of Ottawa, Canada, have developed a methodology for predicting the impact of climate on the extinction of animal and insect species. Bumblebees are disappearing at a rate similar to mass extinction due to global warming, according to new projections, according to ABC Australia.

Scientists believe the world is now in the midst of the sixth mass extinction of many species - the largest since the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Biologists have known for a long time that climate change is always associated with the risk of extinction of various species of wildlife across the planet. The decline in bumblebee numbers in North America and Europe was found to be due to higher temperatures.

Research has shown that the chances of bumblebees surviving in any habitat have decreased by 30% over the course of a generation. If the decline in insect numbers continues at this rate, many of their species could disappear forever within the next few decades.

Bumblebees are very important for the pollination of wild plants and agricultural crops, a significant decrease in the population of these insects will reduce biodiversity and affect human life. Experts estimate that the bumblebee population has almost completely disappeared in areas where temperatures have increased.

The study can be applied to any animal species to reveal extinction trends. Explaining why bumblebees and other species are dying out during rapid human-induced climate change will help prevent a massive decline in species in the 21st century.

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