43. Plant and animal range shifts warn of climate change
One of the first signs of climate change is the shifting of animal and plant ranges. A range is an area where a species naturally occurs, based on the temperature, rainfall, humidity, and other natural factors. But as these factors are altered by climate change, animals and plants are moving out of their normal ranges.
For example, grizzly bears are moving north and running into polar bear territory. Moose and snowshoe hares have done the same, following a bush that’s been able to grow taller in the warmer temperatures. Scientists estimate half of all living species are moving somewhere new.