Arctic Plant Phenology and Climate Change

Zoe discusses her research on how Arctic plants respond to climate change, focusing on plant diversity and phenology. The Arctic, despite being a polar desert, supports diverse plant species. Phenology, the study of seasonal events, is sensitive to temperature changes, affecting flowering times. As the Arctic warms, some plants may shift flowering times, impacting biodiversity. Herbarium specimens provide historical data on phenological shifts. The video highlights potential risks and benefits for Arctic plant species due to climate change, with some species adapting better than others.

What is the primary focus of Zoe's research?

• The migration patterns of Arctic birds

• The melting of Arctic ice

• The response of Arctic plants to climate change

• The impact of climate change on Arctic animals

What does phenology study?

• The growth of Arctic ice

• The timing of seasonal events in nature

• The migration of birds

• The behavior of Arctic animals

How do plants determine when to flower?

• By the amount of sunlight

• By the length of the day

• By counting warm temperature days

• By the presence of pollinators

What is the expected impact of rising temperatures on Arctic plant flowering times?

• Flowering times will shift to an earlier date

• Flowering times will become unpredictable

• Flowering times will shift to a later date

• Flowering times will remain the same

What role do herbarium specimens play in studying plant phenology?

• They are used to study plant diseases

• They help in identifying new plant species

• They offer historical data on flowering and fruiting times

• They provide genetic information

Which plant is more sensitive to temperature changes, according to the herbarium specimens?

• Fireweed

• Arctic glassworth

• Arnica

• Mosses

What is the term used to describe the increasing dominance of shrubs in the Arctic landscape?

• Arctic deforestation

• Arctic shrubification

• Arctic desertification

• Arctic reforestation

What could be a consequence if a plant's phenology becomes mis-timed with favorable climatic conditions?

• Increased plant fitness

• No impact on the plant

• Negative fitness consequences

• Improved seed dispersal

How might Arctic plant diversity change as the climate warms?

• It will increase uniformly

• It will remain unchanged

• It will shift towards species that benefit from climate change

• It will decrease uniformly

What is the significance of the Bob Dylan quote in the context of the talk?

• It emphasizes the inevitability of change

• It indicates the importance of cultural references in science

• It highlights the stability of the Arctic environment

• It suggests that music influences plant growth