<P>Using real-world examples from diverse taxa and ecosystems, this book presents research on rapid shifts in temperature and precipitation and explains how these shifts can alter the biotic landscape. It highlights general trends expected in wildlife and ecological responses and the exceptions and contingencies that may mediate those responses. Topics include description and quantification of how aspects of climate have recently changed, and may change in the future; species-level and higher-order ecological responses to climate change and variability; approaches to monitor and interpret ecological effects of climatic variability; and conservation and management efforts.</P>