Getting a Bird’s-Eye View of Biodiversity With Landsat

The video discusses the impact of climate change on bird species, highlighting that two-thirds of America's birds are threatened. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin are studying how temperature affects bird biodiversity, using data from LANDSAT's thermal sensors. They found that large-bodied birds prefer warmer areas, while small and climate-threatened species need habitats with variable temperatures. The study explains one-third of biodiversity differences, suggesting other factors need exploration to protect birds from extinction.

What percentage of America's bird species are threatened by climate change according to the National Audubon Society?

• 75%

• 50%

• 66%

• 80%

What tool did scientists use to map temperature variations across the United States?

• NOAA's weather satellites

• Google Earth

• LANDSAT's thermal sensor

• NASA's Hubble Telescope

Which type of bird species prefers habitats with variable temperatures?

• Migratory birds

• Small birds and climate-threatened species

• Large-bodied bird species

• Aquatic birds

What fraction of the variation in bird species distribution is explained by temperature according to the study?

• 2/3

• 1/2

• 1/3

• 1/4

What do researchers suggest some birds might use to survive cold spells?

• Migration to warmer regions

• Hibernation

• Pockets of warmer habitat

• Increased food intake