Climate change is threatening the survival of plants and animals globally as temperatures rise and habitats change. Some species have adapted through rapid evolutionary genetic changes, behavior modifications, and physiological adjustments. However, scientific studies reveal that climate change is occurring faster than species can adapt. Slow-maturing animals face a barrier to adaptation as climate shifts by the time their offspring are born. Small-bodied animals can adapt to initial warming, but genetic mutations to survive higher temperature increases occur at a slower rate.
