Question

1. describe how climate change has altered each of the following:

a. growing season -
b. insect range -

Explanation:

• a. Growing Season: Climate change, specifically rising temperatures, has led to longer growing seasons in many regions. Warmer temperatures mean that the period between the last frost in spring and the first frost in fall is extended. This allows for more time for plants to grow, develop, and potentially have multiple growing cycles in a year. However, it also brings challenges such as increased water demand for crops during longer dry spells and the potential for new pests and diseases to thrive in the extended warm period.
• b. Insect Range: As temperatures change due to climate change, the range of insects is expanding. Insects are ectothermic (cold - blooded), so their metabolic rates and survival are highly dependent on temperature. Warmer temperatures are allowing insects that were previously limited to warmer climates to move into regions that were once too cold for them. For example, some pest insects are now found in higher latitudes or altitudes, which can have significant impacts on agriculture (as they damage crops) and on ecosystems (by disrupting predator - prey relationships).

Answer:

a. Rising temperatures have extended the growing season in many areas.
b. Warmer temperatures are expanding the range of insects.