Which aspect of biodiversity is most directly affected by climate change?

The displacement of species from their natural habitats is the most directly affected aspect of biodiversity by climate change. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many species are compelled to move to new areas that offer the climatic conditions necessary for their survival. This can result in the loss of habitat for some species while creating opportunities in new locations.

The disruption in habitat also influences interspecies relationships, as some species may not be able to adapt quickly enough to these changes, leading to reduced population sizes or, in some cases, extinction. This phenomenon highlights how climate change can alter ecosystems by directly impacting where species can thrive, ultimately affecting the overall biodiversity in those regions.

In contrast, while factors like genetic diversity, population growth, and vegetation cover can also be influenced by climate change, they are not as directly impacted as the displacement of species, which is a more immediate response to changing climate conditions.