Climate change

Definition

Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It can impact ecosystems, including prokaryotic habitats and microbiomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate change can alter prokaryotic habitats by changing temperature, pH, and moisture levels.
2. Prokaryotes play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, which can be disrupted by climate change.
3. Changes in climate can shift the composition and function of microbiomes, impacting human health and ecosystems.
4. Some prokaryotes may adapt to new conditions caused by climate change, while others may decline or go extinct.
5. Methanogenic archaea are prokaryotes that produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Review Questions

• How does climate change affect prokaryotic habitats?
• What role do prokaryotes play in biogeochemical cycles impacted by climate change?
• Why is it important to study the impact of climate change on microbiomes?

Related terms

Biogeochemical Cycles:

Processes that recycle elements like carbon and nitrogen through the Earth's biosphere.

Microbiome:

The community of microorganisms living together in a particular habitat.

Methanogenesis:

The process by which methanogenic archaea produce methane as a metabolic byproduct.