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Using Map of Life to Investigate Species Ranges Shifts with Climate Change

Author(s): Courtney Campany

Shepherd University

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Summary:
Biodiversity databases, based on species occurrences, are now readily available for students to use a free of charge. These databases allow exploration of how species ranges shift through time. One of these tools, Map of Life, has integrated Shared…

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Biodiversity databases, based on species occurrences, are now readily available for students to use a free of charge. These databases allow exploration of how species ranges shift through time. One of these tools, Map of Life, has integrated Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) to project species occurrences and ranges (based on suitable habitat) through 2070. The different SSPs use variable greenhouse gas emissions scenarios with different climate policies, ranging from sustainable futures to fossil-fueled development. This activity first allows students to explore current ranges and suitable habitat of individual species, globally. Then, students use different SSPs to investigate future projections of species ranges and relate changes in range size to suitable habitat and life history traits.

Licensed under CC Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International according to these terms

Version 1.0 - published on 02 Aug 2023 doi:10.25334/PJR9-ZD27 - cite this

Description

This module is appropriate for science classrooms, especially those ecology focused. The module uses the online tool, Map of Life, to guide students through exploration of species ranges, thermal tolerances and how different climate change projections might alter future species ranges. The module works best in the classroom, with small groups. However, it can easily be implemented in any class modality. 

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