Essay #3: Species and Climate Change?

Learning Objectives

1. Research the life history of a species.
2. Describe what GCMs predict.
3. Discuss how species are influenced by the climate in which they live.
4. Analyze how species will respond as climate changes.

Summary

The purpose of this essay is to learn how climate change affects different species. Before you begin this assignment, you will need to e-mail your TA the top 3 species you would like to write about. You may choose any species except humans and polar bears. Keep in mind you may select an animal, plant, fungus, bacteria, protozoa, or virus. The species that you select does NOT need to be endangered, nor does it need to be negatively affected by climate change (remember, some species will do better as the climate changes). Your TA will tell you which species you are assigned.

Prompts

For this essay, answer the following prompts for your selected species. If you cannot find the answer to any of the prompts, state that in your essay. Be sure to investigate all recommended resources before stating that you cannot find the answer to one of the prompts.

1. Describe your species:

a. Where does the species live?
b. What is the population size?
c. Is the species endangered?
d. What kind of habitat/environment does it live in?
e. How/where does it breed?
f. What does it eat?
g. What are its predators?
h. What are the threats to the species?

2. Describe the population:

a. How has species abundance changed over time?
b. How has the species range changed over time?

3. Describe climate change predictions:

a. What do GCMs predict will happen to climate in this area where your species lives?

4. Discuss how habitat might change:

a. How will changes in the physical environment (such as temperature, precipitation, salinity, etc.) DIRECTLY affect the species? For example, will an increase in temperature change the biology of your species? Will they start overheating or breed faster?
b. How will changes in the habitat INDIRECTLY affect the species?

i. How will their habitat be affected?
ii. How will food sources be affected?
iii. How will their breeding location be affected?

5. What do you think will happen to your species?

a. Based on your answers above, do you think your species is threatened by climate change?
b. Do you think your species will be able to adapt to climate change? Why or why not?
c. Do you think humans should make an effort to conserve your species? If no, explain why not. If yes, describe what we can do.

References

This assignment draws upon the following files:

Exercise 3: Climate Change and Species

Bloom, Arnold J (2010) Global Climate Change, Convergence of Disciplines, Sinauer Assoc., Sunderland, MA.

IUCN Red List: http://www.iucnredlist.org/

Federal Endangered Species List: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/index.html

National Geographic Animals: http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/?source=NavAniHome

Center for Biological Diversity: http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/species/

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