Predicted Effects of Climate Change on The Distribution of The Invasive Grass Dichanthium Annulatum

Authors

Cynthia Isabel Garcia, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Teresa P. Feria

Second Advisor

Dr. Andrew McDonald

Third Advisor

Dr. Kenneth R. Summy

Abstract

Kleberg bluestem (Dichanthium annulatum) is an invasive grass species native to Africa but now found in southern United States, Mexico, and other tropical and subtropical countries throughout the world. Using the modeling software MaxEnt, climatic variables from WorldClim, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenario A1B, and two General Circulatory Models: the Canadian model (Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis or CCCMA), and the Australian model (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation or CSIRO), several models were developed to determine the possible implications of climatic change on the suitable habitat for D. annulatum, in the year 2050. Models indicated suitability could expand northward into the United States in all southern-most states. Further analysis is recommended to better understand effects of climate change on the distribution of the species. For example, the inclusion of variables such as soil types or land use could be considered.

Comments

Copyright 2013 Cynthia Isabel Garcia. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/predicted-effects-climate-change-on-distribution/docview/1412696000/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American