Sensitivity to climate change for two reptiles at the Mojave Assignment

Sensitivity to climate change for two reptiles at the Mojave - Assignment Example In order to realize a more predictable niche space he holds terrain and soil variables constant as he varies the climatic variables in a contrast of increasing temperature and decreasing level of precipitation. Recent research has underlined the need to do thorough climatic change predictions. These predictions will help in knowing and anticipating for the undesirable impact on the biodiversity. C. W Barrows uses this model and in an endeavour brings out some comparison and contrasts between these two species of reptiles. Though they inhabit the same niche, Gopherus agassizii and the common lizard Sauromalus ater present some differences in their elevations and their food dietary. For instance, Sauromalus ater thrive well between an elevation of o to 1830m and a diet which cuts across perennial plants. Their counterparts, Gopherus agassizii thrive well in elevations between o and 1120m. Despite these differences in elevations, there are similarities in their capabilities to live long, their ectothermal definitions and their perennial vegetarian diet. In a conclusive approach, the survival of these two species largely depends on their abilities to adapt to the changing climatic conditions. Under the guidance of the formulated objective to examine the eminent shifts in habitat for the two species of reptiles, Barrow tries to identify the behavioral and psychological changes adopted by this species as a result of the climate stress. Through these responses and some other mechanisms the reptiles manage to exhibit some differential survival within a certain refugium. C.W. Barrows adopts the following methods and materials in an endeavour to unveil the above mentioned mechanisms and responses. The study area is identified and confined to a 679,585 ha area that includes Joshua Tree National Park and a 10 km buffer that surrounds the Park’s boundary. He also successfully did the niche modeling using the Mahalanobis D2 statistical tool.