Climate Change and Species Spatial Distribution

This topic submitted by Brad Shumaker, Chelsea Nagy ( shumakbt@muohio.edu, nagyrc@muohio.edu ) on 5/5/04 .

Global Climate Change -Western Program-Miami University

Abstract

As the general public and scientists alike become more aware of the suggested patterns and problems of global climate change many begin to realize that not just humans will be affected in the future. We are but one of many species that will be forced to adapt to changing conditions. Those who are unable or fail to adapt will be eliminated by others who can. It is important to understand that regional changes are much more accurate and useful to examine rather than trends on a global scale. Also, when global trends are measurable the changes have already affected the regional elements in huge ways; there exists no reaction time. It is also not realistic to apply these regional changes to all species within its limits. Different species will be affected differently. Consequently, we have chosen birds to narrow our study on how climate change affects species distribution. Birds are excellent indicators of change in spatial distribution and changes have been well documented for birds. We will first examine the different problems and issues surrounding global climate change. Then we will discuss the different theories seen behind the alteration of species distribution due to climate change, and why this is important. We will then look at how different species distributions have altered in general. To focus we will concentrate on the change in distribution of birds (as they are a good example of species indicators) including factors as abundance and location, testing if they have changed within the recent past and whether or not these results can be attributed to climate changes.

To see our entire project, GO HERE: Climate Change and Species Spatial Distribution

Abstract

Introduction and Climate Change

The Biomes

Human Disturbance and Species Spatial Distribution

Birds as a Indicator Species

Conclusion

References