Environmental Variables on Population Size by Jennifer Rogers

Environmental Variables: Decline of the Monarch Butterfly Population

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-06 23:36:20 UTC

This lesson will explore the effects of environmental factors such as climate changes, pesticides, and deforestation on the decline of the Monarch Butterfly population.

TN Science Standard

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-06 23:42:09 UTC

6.LS2 #1: Evaluate and communicate the impact of environmental variables on population size.

Environmental Variable- Climate Change

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-07 00:55:44 UTC

Temperature variations can lead to a decline in population size. This environmental cue triggers reproduction, migration, and hibernation. When these processes are disrupted, population stability is affected.

Effects of Temperature on Milkweed

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-07 01:05:03 UTC

Milkweed is a critical part of the Monarch's life. A decrease in milkweed will affect habitat and food causing a decrease in Monarch population.

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-07 01:12:38 UTC

Female Monarchs lay eggs on milkweed so the caterpillar will have nutrition. A decrease in milkweed is not just a loss of habitat but it is a loss nutrition for the next generation.

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-07 01:15:42 UTC

Monarch Overwintering Survival

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-07 01:34:37 UTC

Colder temperatures reduce the monarch population by changing migration paths and changing overwintering periods.

Temperature variations

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 16:46:31 UTC

Milkweed

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 16:48:05 UTC

Population Regrowth

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 16:50:13 UTC

Conclusion

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 16:50:32 UTC

The size of the population is a critical statistic for pollinators. The world depends on pollinators for our food supply. A decline in the pollinator population leads to fewer crops and less food. We must restore habitats and reduce pesticide use to help rebuild the pollinator population.

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 17:33:15 UTC

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 17:37:25 UTC

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 17:39:44 UTC

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 17:55:39 UTC

Climate change can involve several situations but temperature change is the core component. Monarch butterflies depend on an optimal temperature range for every aspect of their life cycle progression including habitat and nutrition.

jengismith1970rogers — 2025-03-10 18:00:15 UTC

The Monarch butterfly progresses through several generations while returning to their summer habitat. Pesticides are encountered throughout the migration causing damage to the population. During the summer months, deforestation occurs in their overwintering habitat or hibernation grounds. Efforts are underway to restore this habitat.