Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 06:18
Forums
Arctic Sunlight and Microbial Interactions

Hi Mr. Taterka, I was wondering that as the permafrost layer melts, does it attract more animals to the region? If so, I was curious as to why that is knowing that harmful gases like carbon dioxide are being released in the process. Thanks, Olivia Rogus

Mon, 07/29/2013 - 09:17

Anonymous

Olivia -
Good question! One of the questions about a warming Arctic and melting permafrost is how it will affect plant and animal communities. In some places the tree line is moving north, so now the forest is growing where there used to be tundra. That probably brings a change in animals along with it.
Keep in mind that carbon dioxide isn't directly harmful or toxic to living things - you have it in your lungs right now and exhale it with every breath. In fact, with more CO2 and warmer temperatures, plant growth will probably increase. It can all get a little complicated but we'll be trying to make sense of it in Envi Sci class this fall.
Enjoy the summer!
- Mr. T

Wed, 07/31/2013 - 04:58

Anonymous

Thanks Mr. T! Have a nice summer.Olivia