Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Dean, Erin
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Climate change and rising global temperatures are already having observable effects on small migratory species. The short lifespans of butterflies and extensive research on fall migratory birds makes them excellent species to observe for changes in life cycle and migratory patterns related to climate change. This meta-synthesis and accompanying animation analyzes literature on the Red Admiral Butterfly and European Pied Flycatcher, with a goal of finding whether one can use these patterns as a way to predict the movement of human climate migrants in a similar geographical area. Although there are significant patterns present in the research, it is impossible to use these patterns to predict future patterns of human climate migrants at this time. The unpredictable nature of climate change, in addition to butterfly tracking issues, inexplicable variations among populations of our target organisms, and political complications present in human groups does not allow for accurate projections of migration patterns between species.
Recommended Citation
Tanner, Lily, "FLITTER, FLY, FLOCK Analyzing the parallel migration patterns and shifting life cycle stages of the Red Admiral Butterfly, European Pied Flycatcher, and Human climate migrants in relation to climate change" (2021). Theses & ETDs. 6152.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6152