The Shrinking Species: Climate Impact on Animal Sizes

This chapter examines the troubling trend of declining mass and size in various animal species, particularly birds, over the past 40 years. It explores the implications of climate change on both warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals, addressing factors like Bergman's Rule and how size adaptations might influence ecosystem dynamics. The discussion poses critical questions about whether these changes signal evolutionary shifts or immediate responses to environmental stressors, setting the stage for deeper insights into future biodiversity.