What effect does climate change have on freshwater ecosystems?

The choice indicating that climate change alters water temperature and affects species survival is correct because climate change fundamentally influences temperature and precipitation patterns, which in turn, can drastically modify freshwater ecosystems. As global temperatures rise, water bodies warm, leading to changes in the physical and chemical properties of the water. Warmer waters can reduce dissolved oxygen levels, which are crucial for the survival of many aquatic organisms.

Moreover, shifts in temperature can disrupt breeding cycles, feeding behaviors, and migration patterns of various species, making them more vulnerable to extinction. Changes in water flow due to altered precipitation patterns can lead to increased flooding or drought, further stressing aquatic habitats. Consequently, species that are sensitive to temperature changes or those that have specific habitat requirements may face challenges in survival and reproduction, impacting overall biodiversity in these ecosystems.

Options that suggest stabilization of water temperatures or increased habitat availability do not accurately reflect the observed impacts of climate change, as these factors are typically disrupted rather than made more stable. Additionally, the notion that climate change has no significant impact on freshwater biodiversity contradicts the widely recognized and observed effects of climate change on ecological dynamics and species interactions.