According to a new study by University of Alberta scientists, climate change can reduce some alpine butterfly populations. Changes in climate (too hot, too wet, too dry) can adversely affect the food resources of a species. Those butterflies and caterpillars that feed on only one or a few host plants are at greatest risk because of fluctuations in their food resources. Butterflies that have a more varied diet are less likely to be impacted by the indirect impacts of climate change. Scientists at the University of Alberta are seeking to quantify the complex effects of climate change on ecosystems by understanding the link between butterfly populations and their food resources.

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