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Wadden Sea Winter: Adapting to Seasonal and Climatic Changes
Millions of migratory birds bypass the Wadden Sea in winter, yet diverse species persist, adapting to seasonal changes; climate change contributes to shifts in species composition, introducing new species annually.
- How do various species within the Wadden Sea cope with winter conditions?
- While large bird migrations are seasonal, the Wadden Sea maintains biodiversity year-round. Winter brings a unique avifauna, such as the Spülsaumtrio, highlighting the ecosystem's adaptability to changing food availability. Sea creatures adapt to cold temperatures differently, with some moving to deeper waters and others burrowing.
- What is the impact of reduced bird migration on the Wadden Sea ecosystem during winter?
- The annual migration of 12 million birds through the Wadden Sea is absent during winter, yet many birds, including gulls, geese, and oystercatchers, remain due to abundant food sources. Unique to winter are the "Spülsaumtrio"—snow bunting, shore lark, and snowfinch—feeding on seeds in the wrack line.
- What are the long-term implications of climate change on the species composition and biodiversity of the Wadden Sea?
- The absence of ice winters, potentially linked to climate change, is altering the Wadden Sea's species composition. A new species arrives annually on average, with warmer-climate species increasingly prevalent, although no native species have been displaced yet. Long-term impacts on biodiversity require ongoing monitoring.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the impact of climate change on the Wadden Sea ecosystem. Warmer waters are leading to a shift in species composition, with the arrival of new, warmer-water species. While no native species have been displaced yet, the long-term effects of this change on biodiversity and the delicate balance of the ecosystem are uncertain. The reduction in ice winters, also attributed to climate change, has both positive and negative consequences. While it prevents mass mortality events among certain species, it also alters the natural selection pressures within the ecosystem.