Do microclimates affect where certain species live?
Introduction A microclimate is a small location that has environmental conditions that are not typical everywhere else in the area. For example, a microclimate might exist near a large rock. As the sun heats the rock, the rock will give off heat. Thus the environment around the rock will be warmer than the area 10 feet from the rock. This is called a microclimate. In addition, the shade produced from a tree might also be considered a microclimate. The temperature under the tree is different from the temperature out from underneath the tree. In this experiment, you will see if different microclimates affect where species live. Caution: Do not touch or handle any of the critters you see. Some insects and reptiles can be poisonous. Procedure • You will need to find an outdoor area to do this experiment. You can use your backyard, a local park, or a vacant field where there are areas that are shaded, moist, dry, and have at least a few items that you can look underneath. • Look at the grou
