Student Article
Animals Evolve Larger Limbs to Adapt to Rising Temperatures
Adapt (verb): To change to fit new conditions.
Beak (noun): The hard, pointed part of a bird's mouth.
Scientist (noun): A person who studies the natural world.
Climate (noun): The usual weather in a place over a long time.
Animals are changing their bodies to stay cool as the Earth gets warmer.
Bigger beaks, ears, and legs are on the rise
As the planet heats up, some animals are adapting by changing parts of their bodies. Warm-blooded animals, like birds and mammals, are growing bigger ears, beaks, and legs. These larger body parts help them release extra heat and stay cool.
Parrots are proof it’s happening
For example, certain parrots in Australia have developed bigger beaks over the years. In North America, a bird called the dark-eyed junco has shown changes in its beak size during hotter times.
How scientists figured this out
Scientists believe these changes are happening because of climate change. They are studying old animal specimens to understand how these body parts have grown over time.
Will these changes be enough?
Even though these changes are small, they show that animals are trying to adjust to a warmer world. But scientists are not sure if all animals can adapt quickly enough to survive.
© Alice Lipscombe-Southwell / Our Media
Adapt (verb): To change to fit new conditions.
Beak (noun): The hard, pointed part of a bird's mouth.
Scientist (noun): A person who studies the natural world.
Climate (noun): The usual weather in a place over a long time.