Are plants and animals affected by water temperature?

Plants are also affected by water temperature. While some aquatic plants tolerate cooler waters, most prefer warmer temperatures ¹⁷.

1. How does temperature change affect animals?
2. What animals are affected by warmer waters?
3. How does increasing water temperature impact living things?

How does temperature change affect animals?

Humans and wild animals face new challenges for survival because of climate change. More frequent and intense drought, storms, heat waves, rising sea levels, melting glaciers and warming oceans can directly harm animals, destroy the places they live, and wreak havoc on people's livelihoods and communities.

What animals are affected by warmer waters?

Toxic algal blooms are another devastating impact of rising water temperatures. The toxins produced by algae can sicken — and even kill — fish, shellfish, marine animals, and birds.

How does increasing water temperature impact living things?

Increases in water temperature can also cause changes in aquatic animals. For instance, as water temperature increases so does the organism's metabolism. When this occurs, they need more dissolved oxygen and more food supply. If the amount of dissolved oxygen needed is unavailable, they may die.