Butterflies Are Moving Around the World
Key Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| range | the area where an animal or plant lives | The butterfly's range is moving north. |
| expand | to become larger | Some butterfly ranges expand into new places. |
| contract | to become smaller | A species' range can contract. |
| climate | the usual weather conditions of a place over many years | Climate affects where butterflies can live. |
| monitor | to watch and record something over time | Scientists monitor butterflies every year. |
Article
Butterflies are moving to new places in many parts of the world. A new study looked at 1,758 kinds of butterflies in 105 countries and areas. [1]
The researchers read more than 6,000 reports. They looked at places where butterflies are now living, places where they are disappearing, and places where they are moving higher or lower on mountains. [1]
Many butterflies are now living in new areas. Some are also disappearing from places where they lived before. Warmer weather and unusual weather may be part of the reason for these changes. [1][2]
Scientists know more about butterflies in some countries than in others. Europe has many studies that follow butterflies for many years. In some warmer parts of the world, there is much less information. [1][2]
The researchers also used studies written in 15 languages. This helped them find information that they might miss if they only read studies in English. [1]
The study does not say that all butterflies are moving. It only shows changes that scientists have found in the butterflies they studied. Scientists still need more information from many parts of the world. [1]
Butterflies can help scientists understand changes in nature. By watching where butterflies live, scientists may learn more about how a warmer world is changing different places.
Discussion Questions
- What butterflies or insects do you often see where you live?
- How has the weather changed in your area during your lifetime?
- Why is it useful to watch the same animals every year?
- What places should have more wildlife research?
- What animal would you like to follow on a map?
References
- Chowdhury et al., "Extensive climate-induced range shifts in butterflies across the globe," Nature Ecology & Evolution.
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, "The scale of butterfly range shifts is far greater than previously known — affecting every continent."
- Nature Ecology & Evolution, "Extensive climate-induced range shifts in butterflies across the globe."