Oldest Sheep Contribute Most To Population Growth When Climate Changes Making Conditions Harsh
Friday, September 5, 2008 - 16:14
in Biology & Nature
Researchers show how sheep on a remote island off the west coast of Scotland respond to two consequences of climate change: altered food availability and the unpredictability of winter storms. When times are good, lambs contribute almost twice as much to population size. The oldest sheep contribute most to population growth when conditions are harsh. New mathematical breakthroughs have made it possible to learn how individuals affect population dynamics in rapidly changing environments.