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Instructions for Exploring the Conservation Biology
Practice Exercises
This chapter of the Second Edition of Conservation Biology concludes with a Practice Exercise, which provides students the opportunity to learn and apply research skills and concepts related to the chapter content.
Chapter 12 Practice Exercise: Climate Envelope Models
Climate change is predicted to become one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in the coming century. Predicting the impact of climate change on species populations and making sure species have suitable habitats that allow them to persist in the face of climate change is a key goal of conservation. Use the tutorial videos and spreadsheet exercises to learn how to construct climate envelope models and use them to predict distributions across a landscape, both under current and future climate conditions. The exercise will also show you how to compare alternative models so that you can choose the “best” model among a group of plausible options.
1. Begin with the Videos
Each Practice Exercise begins with videos from author James D. Murdoch that 1) introduce the Practice Exercise and concepts involved; 2) explore and explain the concepts in depth; and 3) demonstrate tools used in the practical study of those concepts.
For each Chapter Practice Exercise, the student should watch these videos first!
Chapter 11 – Video Topics: Climate Envelope Models
Climate envelope models (CEMs)
- SDM and logistic regression review
- Constructing a polynomial model that predicts species occurrence
- Constructing an interaction model that predicts species occurrence
Model selection
- Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) review
- Determining the ‘best’ model among a group of models
Prediction
- Using a model to predict distribution across a landscape: mapping species distribution under current and future climate conditions
Download this spreadsheet, and use it as you follow along with the videos.
You can check your work using this completed spreadsheet.
2. Examine the Questions
Each Practice Exercise features a series of questions, which guide students through key questions and concepts.
Some questions may ask you to utilize different parts of the spreadsheet you used in the videos. They also provide a space to upload completed spreadsheets and to record any other responses or information requested.