Follow the Butterflies: The Discovery of Climate Sentinels | Evolution Earth

Support learning about biogeography through this introduction to climate change ecology. In this video, biologist Camille Parmesan explains how her long-term observations of the Edith’s Checkerspot butterfly revealed them to be “climate sentinels.” 

Through discussion questions, students employ cause-and-effect reasoning to track sentinel species’ adaptations and resilience. Engagement activities help students to cultivate strategies and hope for biodiversity conservation and human resilience to a rapidly changing climate.