Web of life unravelling, wildlife biologist says

[CRH]

34. Sir, you are correct, ...

one cannot make a generalization about mammal survival because of the diversity.

We tend to think of mammals as primates, our pets, hoofed animals and the like. But mammals also are represented by bats, shrews, squirrels, rodents, dolphins and other oceanic species, in many different environments. Some of these will probably survive 6-10 degree C rise in the global mean.

Though, there will be some challenges for mammals not faced in prior times. Evolution takes thousands - millions of years in normal circumstances, this time extreme temperature changes could be happening in a couple of centuries. Any mammal that can't avoid the frying pan or find new habitat rapidly will also be at risk. The ocean mammals will be seriously challenged not just by temperature but chemistry as well. That leaves nocturnal rodents, bats and shrews as possible survivors as habitat allows.

Adaption for most mammals to include primates, above the 6 - 10*C, though not totally impossible, is unlikely for any extended time. To imply absolute extinction at these temps is also probably too strong, but the numbers will be so few that the time involved for climate correction will stretch beyond capabilities of adaption.