Some present-day organisms will be able to survive the dramatic increase in mean global temperature and ocean acidification predicted for the end of the century if they possess adaptations that:
1. Thermotolerance: The ability to withstand high temperatures without experiencing significant physiological stress or reduced fitness. This adaptation could include biochemical mechanisms to protect cellular structures and processes, such as heat shock proteins and efficient DNA repair systems.
2. Osmoregulation: The capacity to maintain internal osmotic balance in response to changes in the external environment. As the oceans become more acidic, organisms with efficient osmoregulatory mechanisms will be better equipped to maintain proper cellular function and avoid cellular damage.
3. Acid tolerance: The ability to tolerate and survive in acidic environments. Some organisms may possess physiological adaptations, such as acid-resistant proteins or modified ion transport systems, that enable them to cope with low pH conditions.
4. Enhanced respiratory and cardiovascular systems: Adaptations that enhance the efficiency and capacity of these systems could help organisms cope with the increased energy demands and potential oxygen limitations resulting from higher temperatures and altered ocean chemistry.
5. Behavioral plasticity: The ability to modify behavior and habitat preferences in response to changing environmental conditions. This adaptation could involve changes in feeding patterns, movement, and habitat selection to optimize survival in the face of environmental stressors.
6. Rapid evolutionary adaptation: Some organisms may undergo rapid evolutionary adaptations, driven by natural selection, that confer increased tolerance to the changing environmental conditions. This could involve changes in gene expression, protein function, or phenotypic traits that enhance survival in a warming and acidifying ocean.
It is important to note that the specific adaptations that will enable certain organisms to survive these changes will likely vary among species and ecosystems. The adaptability and resilience of organisms to multiple, simultaneous stressors will be crucial for their long-term survival.