Research Article Flashcards
How does climate change affect the predator-prey dynamics between lynx and snowshoe hares?
Climate change impacts predator-prey dynamics by altering snow conditions. Reduced snow depth and hardness make it easier for coyotes to hunt snowshoe hares, increasing their predation risk. Coyotes are better adapted to shallow snow than lynx, leading to a shift in predation pressure from lynx to coyotes.
What species are involved in the predator-prey cycle discussed in the article?
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus)
What has been the trend in maximum snow depth over the last two decades?
Maximum snow depth has decreased by 33%.
What methods did the researchers use to study the effects of climate change on snowshoe hare survival?
The researchers conducted daily survival monitoring of 321 snowshoe hares from 2015 to 2018 in southwestern Yukon. They measured snow depth, hardness (using a penetrometer), and temperature throughout the winter. Cause-specific mortality (predation by lynx, coyotes, and other predators) was recorded. Survival models were created using Cox proportional hazards (CPH) models, and bootstrapped datasets were used to evaluate the effects of snow conditions on hare survival.
How does snow depth influence hare survival in the winter?
Shallow snow (<35 cm) significantly reduces survival, resembling decline phases in hare population cycles.
What were the survival trends of snowshoe hares between 2015 and 2018?
Lowest survival in 2015–16, with similar survival in 2016–17 and 2017–18 despite expectations of higher survival.
How does temperature impact hare survival according to the study?
Temperature variations did not significantly influence hare survival compared to snow conditions.
What are the broader implications of this study for boreal forest ecosystems?
Climate change could disrupt cyclic dynamics in predator-prey interactions, impacting ecosystem balance and biodiversity.
