Chapter 38, Problem 14TYK

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The influence of elevation on the Pika range, to check the hypothesis whether the pika range is shifting to higher elevation due to climate change or not, and the limitations in describing the patterns in nature in comparison with a controlled experiment.

Introduction:

The Pika are closely related to the rabbit, sharing short limbs, a fairly spherical body, a fur coat, and no external tail. However, Pika has shorter, rounded ears. The Himalayan mountains house the large-eared pika, which are generally known to be found at elevations of more than 6,000 meters or about 20,000 ft. The American pika is extremely sensitive to heat. They have poor fecundity and are susceptible to snowfall declines. They also have limited ability to disperse.