Land, ocean animals respond differently to global warming

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Which animals will be able to adapt to climate change? PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

Researchers say predicting response in marine ecosystems may be easier

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Forecasting how marine species will move as the oceans warm may be easier than doing the same for land animals, said a group of scientists who systematically compared the responses of marine and terrestrial species.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers used previously published data on the the physiological temperature limits – tolerance to heating and cooling levels – on 169 cold-blooded marine and terrestrial species, then compared the data with the regions the species inhabit.

Fish and other ocean-dwelling species closely matched up with habitat that met their requirements, while terrestrial animals able to tolerate conditions more outside the range of what their internal thermometers suggest they can live in — in other words, warm temperatures aren’t limiting them from living in closer to the equator. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, climate and weather, Environment, global warming | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Study of Antarctic moss could deliver global warming clues

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Bob Berwyn

An aerial view of slow-growing moss beds in Antarctica. Australian researchers say the moss is the old-growth forest of Antartica and hope to track climate change impacts with aerial surveys of the area. PHOTO COURTESY ARKO LUCIEER.

Slow-growing moss beds to be studied in aerial surveys this summer

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — A die-back of slow-growing moss near the Australia’s Antarctic Casey Station could offer significant insights into global warming impacts.

Changes in the moss were first noticed during recent field research. During this summer’s Antarctic research season, Australian scientists will use remote-controlled helicopters to try and get a better idea of how the vegetation is changing.

“The significance of moss is that it can serve as an indicator of climate change as it grows very slowly, preserving a climate record along its shoots. The Antarctic moss beds are essentially miniature versions of old-growth forests in Australia,” said botanist Dana Bergstrom. “So if we can accurately date these mosses and also map their extent it means we will be able to see what has happened with the climate in the past decades and predict how it may change into the future,” she said. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Environment, global warming, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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