TED-Ed: Phenology and nature's shifting rhythms - Regina Brinker

The video explains phenology, the study of seasonal biological events, and its historical importance. It highlights how climate change is altering these natural rhythms, causing earlier budbursts and affecting ecosystems. Examples include oak trees and winter moths adapting to new timings, while pied flycatcher birds struggle. Economic impacts are seen in events like the Cherry Blossom Festival. The video concludes with a call to action to mitigate climate change.

What is phenology primarily concerned with?

• The migration patterns of birds

• The study of animal behavior

• The timing of biological events in relation to seasonal climate changes

• The chemical composition of plants

How does a 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature affect budburst?

• It delays budburst by five days

• It has no effect on budburst

• It causes budburst to occur ten days earlier

• It causes budburst to occur five days earlier

What adaptation have winter moth caterpillars made in response to earlier budburst?

• They have started eating different plants

• They migrate to a different region

• They hatch 15 days earlier than before

• They have not made any adaptations

What is one economic impact of earlier cherry blossom blooming in Washington DC?

• Increased tourism revenue

• Longer Cherry Blossom Festival

• Frustration among tourists due to earlier fading blossoms

• More cherry trees being planted

What is a suggested action to help address the issues caused by climate change?

• Focus on economic growth over environmental concerns

• Ignore the changes and continue as usual

• Think of phenology and consider how to slow climate change

• Rely solely on scientists to solve the problem