Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 07/14/2013 - 16:32
Forums
Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

Hi Mr. Taterka!

I have been reading some of your journals, and your time in Alaska seems like a fascinating experience! I really liked your journal entry from July 1st with the pictures of grizzly bears and moose! I was wondering how much you think the release of CO2 from permafrost has affected the biodiversity in the tundra. Were you expecting to see more or less of a certain species? Do you think certain species have adapted better to the change of climate compared to others?

I hope you have enjoyed the opportunity to research and have fun sight-seeing the rest of Alaska!

-Aimee Freeman

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 22:01

Bruce Taterka

Hello Aimee -
There's a major concern that climate change will impact biodiversity in all ecosystems, and it's a question that a lot of scientists are looking at here in the Arctic in both plants and animals.
One thing I would certainly like to see less of is mosquitoes, that is for sure. Now that I've seen moose, caribou, grizzly and muskoxen, I'm hoping to see some wolves, and also whales when I get down to the coast.
As far as adapting to climate change, there will probably be winners and losers - some species will do better and others will not. Time will tell.
Thanks for the questions! Check back soon for wolves and whales.
- Mr. T