<
https://theconversation.com/trapped-australias-extraordinary-alpine-insects-are-being-marooned-on-mountaintops-as-the-world-warms-211104>
"We may not pay invertebrates much thought, but they’re the workhorses of all
ecosystems. Insects and other invertebrates do essential jobs such as
pollinating plants, improving soils and controlling pests. They’re also food
for many larger animals, which moves nutrients up the food chain.
Invertebrates are vulnerable to rising global temperatures. In response to
climate change, many are moving to cooler areas, be that across land towards
the poles, or upward in elevation.
But not all invertebrates have that option. In Australia, invertebrates already
living at the highest possible elevation – on mountain summits – have nowhere
higher to go. So how will they cope? And how can we help them?
Answering these questions is important. Invertebrates underpin Earth’s
ecosystems – so if their numbers decline, the ecological damage will be felt
far and wide."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
