|
Where
are Monarchs in May?
Comparing Spring Migrations in May 2000-2008
(Teachers:
Map is hotlinked for larger projection on smartboard or screen.)
|
| 
|
How
does this spring's migration compare to those in past years? Take
a look at these snapshots of spring migration over the past 8
years. Each map shows where the monarchs were at the same time
in May.
|
Which
year is the most similar to this year? Describe how the maps look
alike. |
| Brainstorm!
What might have caused spring 2008 to be so different from spring
2007? List as many reasons as you can. |
Explore
variables! Many factors affect the pace of spring migration. Here
are two to explore:
- Climate:
>>
Look at historic climate maps. Compare temperatures in March,
April and May. Look at average temperatures and departures from
normal.
- Population
Size:
>>
Look at the size of the overwintering population in Mexico each
year. Do you see any correlations? (Remember: the measurements
are taken in December so they do not tell us how many monarchs
were alive when spring migration began each year.)
|