Climate Change and Biodiversity
In today's lecture, the professor discussed the impact of climate change on biodiversity. She began by highlighting the importance of ecosystems and the various species that inhabit them. She explained that climate change has led to shifting habitats, where some species are unable to adapt quickly enough to survive. For instance, polar bears are losing their sea ice habitat due to rising temperatures, which affects their ability to hunt seals. Furthermore, the professor pointed out that migratory patterns of birds and fish are changing, leading to mismatches in food availability and breeding seasons.
Additionally, she mentioned that certain plants are blooming earlier in the spring, altering the delicate balance of local ecosystems. The professor concluded by emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable species from the adverse effects of climate change.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.
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