What are primary ecological effects of climate change?
* A: Climate controls ecosystem structure and processes such as species distribution and abundance, regeneration, vegetation productivity and growth, and disturbance, including insects and fire. Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation with climate change will impact both ecosystem structure and ecosystem processes. For example, regeneration of tree species will be influenced by changes in snowpack, length of growing season, and moisture availability. Forest productivity may decrease in lower elevation forest ecosystems because of water limitations. Insects and disease outbreaks may become more frequent and widespread because warmer temperatures may accelerate their life cycles. Fire extent and frequency will likely increase with increased temperatures and longer fire seasons. Species distributions are likely to shift, and invasive species may become more of a problem owing to positive response to increased carbon dioxide levels. Increased disturbances may also create oppor
