Terrestrial Biodiversity Adaptation Research Network

Employing new methodology, the study investigates the link between climate change, demography and life history in the yellow bellied marmot over a 30 year period.  Results indicate in response to warming conditions, marmots emerge earlier from hibernation and wean young sooner, leading to a longer growth season and higher body mass at hibernation—resulting in a significant increase in population size.

Ozgul et al. (2010) Coupled dynamics of body mass and population growth in response to environmental change. Nature 466: 482-485. DOI: 10.1038/nature09210.