IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Discuss the impact of climate change on wildlife habitats.
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712544345
Task 2 Writing Topic: Discuss the impact of climate change on wildlife habitats.
Model Answer:
Climate change has become one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. Its effects are far-reaching and profoundly alter ecosystems, biodiversity, and the habitats upon which all living creatures depend. This essay will examine the impact of climate change on wildlife habitats, focusing specifically on habitat loss, fragmentation, shifting ranges, and changes in species interactions.
Firstly, climate change leads to habitat loss due to rising sea levels and changing weather patterns. As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers melt, causing sea levels to rise and flood low-lying coastal areas. This destruction of land not only threatens human settlements but also destroys the natural habitats of countless species. For example, saltwater intrusion in freshwater ecosystems has resulted in the loss of amphibian habitats, leading to a decline in their populations.
Secondly, climate change causes habitat fragmentation. As temperatures shift, certain species are unable to adapt quickly enough and are forced to move to more favorable climates. Consequently, their habitats become fragmented as they spread across the landscape. This leads to smaller, isolated patches of suitable habitat, which can restrict genetic diversity and limit food availability. For instance, many migratory bird species have been observed altering their migration routes due to changes in weather patterns, resulting in a more fragmented distribution of their breeding grounds.
Additionally, shifting ranges caused by climate change affect both the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species. As temperatures rise, certain species are forced to move northward or upward in elevation to find suitable habitats with cooler climates. This shift can lead to overcrowding in these new areas, as multiple species vie for the same limited resources. For example, the pine beetle has expanded its range due to warmer winters, leading to an increased rate of forest mortality and disrupting ecosystems throughout North America.
Lastly, climate change alters species interactions within ecosystems. As plant and animal species shift their ranges, they may come into contact with new competitors, predators, or symbiotic partners. These altered interactions can have cascading effects on the structure and function of entire ecosystems. For instance, a rise in ocean temperatures has led to an increase in jellyfish populations, which outcompete other marine species for food resources, thereby disrupting the balance of underwater ecosystems.
In conclusion, climate change poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats. Its effects on habitat loss, fragmentation, shifting ranges, and changes in species interactions have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems worldwide. As such, it is imperative that we address this issue by reducing our carbon emissions, preserving natural habitats, and supporting conservation efforts to mitigate these devastating impacts on our planet's wildlife.
Scoring:
- Task Response:
9 (The response fully addresses all parts of the topic and presents a comprehensive analysis.)
- Coherence and Cohesion:
8 (The essay is well organized, with clear transitions between ideas, but occasional repetition or redundancy detracts slightly from its overall coherence.)
- Lexical Resource:
8 (Vocabulary is varied and appropriate; however, there are a few instances of less precise language, such as "disrupting the balance" rather than "altering the balance.")
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
9 (The grammar is accurate throughout, with complex sentences used effectively to convey ideas.)
- Spelling and Punctuation:
8 (There are no significant errors in spelling or punctuation, but a few minor mistakes are present, such as "species" instead of "specied." These errors do not impede comprehension.)
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