Could the fungal apocalypse depicted in The Last of Us be based in reality? A recent study indicates that rising global temperatures may heighten the threat of bacterial and fungal infections in cold-blooded species such as corals, insects, and fish. This raises important concerns regarding the broader implications of climate change on ecosystems, biodiversity, and potentially human health.
Could the fungal apocalypse of The Last of Us have roots in reality?
A new study from UBC suggests that climate change could worsen bacterial and fungal infections for cold-blooded animals like corals, fish, and insects, prompting a reevaluation of the risks that rising temperatures pose to ecosystems and biodiversity—and potentially to humans as well.
Cold-blooded in a warming world
Drs. Kayla King and Jingdi (Judy) Li reviewed 60 experimental studies focused on cold-blooded species affected by bacterial, fungal, and other infections. They observed that these animals are particularly vulnerable to temperature changes due to their dependence on external heat sources, making them sensitive to global warming.
The studies examined 50 different species, including land insects, fish, mollusks, and corals—some of the most biodiverse and endangered ecosystems worldwide.
Using statistical analyses, the researchers discovered that cold-blooded animals suffering from bacterial infections faced a higher likelihood of mortality under elevated temperatures compared to their typical habitats.
Fungal sweet spots
According to the research, animals infected with fungal pathogens reacted to temperature shifts within a specific range. They did not experience a higher mortality rate as temperatures increased—unless the temperature approached fungi’s preferred range, termed the “thermal optimum.” At this threshold, the likelihood of death among infected animals rose. Conversely, when temperatures escalated beyond the fungi’s survival limits, death rates in infected animals decreased.
What does this mean?
Dr. Li emphasized that these findings imply that climate change could pose significant threats to cold-blooded animals, which play a crucial role in their ecosystems. She also stressed the need for further research to understand how rising temperatures will affect warm-blooded species, including humans.
Dr. King highlighted that the results provide valuable insights for predicting the risks facing animal populations in a warming world prone to disease.
