CAMBIO

HARSH ENVIRONMENTS - The scientific study of the organisms and ecosystems within some of the most inhospitable regions on earth frequently provides evidence that challenges our understanding of the limits to biological possibility. Species in these environments (often called extremophiles) have evolved striking adaptations to survive extremes of temperature, drought or desiccation, toxic volcanic byproducts, radiation, extended darkness and short growing seasons. Our knowledge of these regions and awareness of their importance is growing, but sadly many still consider these habitats to be vacant 'wastelands'. Along with increasing development and resource extraction activities, climate change now also severely threatens many of these harsh yet fragile ecosystems and communities. Species which have survived severe conditions may have become 'super-specialised' and may be unable to cope with the rapidly-changing climate, introduction of alien competitors and pathogens, changing food..

Primary location: Monterey United States