"Drought-Driven Changes in California's Alpine Ecosystems Impact Predator Survival"

Climate change-driven shifts in the snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains are expected to lead to earlier snowmelt streams, causing shifts in the timings of animals emerging and potentially leaving predators without food. Researchers found that these changes could lead to mismatches in food webs, impacting species ranging from birds and bats to lizards. However, some species may thrive in these conditions, as demonstrated by the increased numbers of Brewer's blackbirds due to a more abundant food source. The study highlights the potential impacts of climate change on ecosystems and the importance of understanding the timing of key life events in maintaining ecological balance.