Monarch Migration Update: March 25, 2010 | |||||||
The migration is crossing Texas now and appears to be entering Louisiana. With numbers low this spring, everybody is wondering what it will take for the population to recover. How does a population grow? This week, learn about the monarch's reproductive potential and explore the factors that can limit the population's size. This Week's Update Includes:
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Image of the Week | ||||||
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Entering
Texas
The northernmost monarch has now reached latitude 33 N, according to our observers, and the migration appears to have entered Louisiana. In what state do you think the monarchs will appear next? More
Monarchs on the Way!
Sightings Down This Spring Recovery—What
Will it Take? Monarch biologist Dr. Bill Calvert says recovery of the population depends on factors such as "temperatures and moisture in the breeding zones, the consequent conditions of the monarch food plant, the population levels of monarch parasites and predators—too many unknowns to predict with any certainty." Dr. Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch says, "We have no prior experience with such a small returning population and it is uncertain whether monarchs in such numbers could recover in one year." He added, "My thinking now is that it will take monarchs at least two, and perhaps more, years to recover from the effects of the last breeding season and the winter of 2009-2010."
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The Migration: Maps and Journal Page | |||||||
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Slideshow: From Eggs to Butterflies: How Does a Population Grow? |
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Research Question and Links: Explore! | |||||||
This Week's Research Question: In what ways do monarch mothers depend on Mother Nature to raise their young? Research for facts as you read:
Additional links to explore:
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More
Monarch Lessons and
Teaching Ideas! |
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The Next Monarch Migration Update Will Be Posted on April 1, 2010.
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