The Effects of Humans on Global Processes Are Profound. We Are Ever Increasingly Altering

PHI Question Set 10: Answer using one (word-processed – 12 font single space) page or less. Due at beginning of class Dec. 7.

The effects of humans on global processes are profound. We are ever increasingly altering the biogeochemistry of the environment, both terrestrially and atmospherically. While the responses of some systems are thought to be predictable, the effects on other more complex sets of interactions such as trophic webs are largely unknown. We have discussed some of the consequences of a warming planet on plant-herbivore interactions, but those interactions are also strongly influenced by carbon- dioxide concentrations.

(1) How do you think simultaneous increases in temperature along with rising CO2 will affect plant-insect interactions? In other words, will increasing

temperature cancel out the effects of rising CO2, or exacerbate them?

(2) Do you think that vertebrate herbivores will be affected to the same extent as insect herbivores by CO2 increases?