Transcript Pro Case Study #1 Plant creosote (Larrea tridentata)

Sam Swenson
Rasheda Vereen
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Considerable uncertainty about the future
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Uncertainty about effects on ecosystems
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Climate Change Impacts (J.A. Harris):
◦ Increases in mean temperatures
◦ Increases in precipitation
◦ Unpredictable weather patterns
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Sage bush, Cottonwood, Aspen:
◦ Grows in desert
◦ Abundant along rivers and other wet areas
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“Native species become less viable under future climate
conditions” B. Bradley, Climate Change and plant invasions, p.
1511
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Some native species already threatened by local vegetation
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Highly efficient in water absorption
Long life span (100+ years)
Ability to tolerate extreme drought stress
Established ecological community dependent on creosote for
shelter/protection
Native plants considerably less prepared to tolerate drought
(Domino effect)
Bees depend on nectar