Can Animals Evolve to Deal with Climate Change?
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Provided by: The Climate Question|Published on: August 9, 2022
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This podcast investigates whether animals have the ability to evolve as a result of the impact people are having on the climate. According to the presenters of this podcast, climate change is a "code red" for the animal kingdom.
- Listeners will hear from scientists about various animal species found around the world, including little auks, anole lizards, marine iguanas, and Eurasian blue tits, and how all of these animals are adapting their behaviors and their physical bodies to environmental changes.
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: The Climate Question, BBC
Region: South and Central America, Global, Caribbean
Languages:
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Stories about animals adapting to climate change often focus on well-known species such as polar bears. In this podcast, students can learn about many lesser-known animal species that are adapting in unique ways to survive environmental changes.
- This podcast focuses on case studies in locations around the world, including the Galapagos Islands, Europe, and Turks and Caicos.
Additional Prerequisites
- The podcast switches to climate news at 23:50.
- It may be helpful to show students some pictures of the animal species mentioned before or after listening to this podcast.
Differentiation
- Students in biology classes can use this podcast to discuss the advance in scientists' understanding about the process of biological evolution. Years ago, scientists believed that animals required decades or even centuries in order for evolution to occur. Now, evidence from recent research suggests otherwise.
- Resources related to this topic include this video about natural selection, this video about species extinction and climate change, and this video about researching Pika adapting to climate change.
Animal species have migrated to new habitats as a result of the threat posed by climate change. This podcast talks about adaptation as well as proof that species have evolved as a result of climate change. It is advised to use this resource when instructing.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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