Which of the following is an observed effect of climate change?

The choice of extended growing seasons in some regions is an observed effect of climate change due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. As the climate warms, certain areas, particularly in higher latitudes or altitudes, experience longer frost-free periods, which can lead to a longer growing season for crops and other vegetation. This shift can improve agricultural productivity in these regions, although it may also bring challenges, such as reduced yield in areas that are adversely affected by the impacts of climate change.

The other options do not align with the evidence observed in climate science. Increased ice mass in polar regions contradicts extensive data showing significant ice loss in places like Greenland and Antarctica. The claim of decreased average global temperatures is inconsistent with the wide consensus among climate scientists highlighting a clear warming trend over the past century. Lastly, while climate change can disrupt ecosystems and lead to loss of biodiversity, it is inaccurate to state that it results in “less biodiversity” as a direct effect, since impacts can vary considerably across regions and biomes, with some areas experiencing shifts rather than outright loss in species diversity.