Fell, A. (2015, August 3). Changing ocean affecting salmon biodiversity and survival. Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://blogs.ucdavis.edu/egghead/2015/08/03/changing-ocean-affecting-salmon-biodiversity-and-survival/
This article finds a very specific case of biodiversity loss in the case of the Chinook and coho salmon. Since the effects of El Nino have begun, an eastern Pacific warming pattern called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has changed drastically. These two species of salmon, once thought to be completely unrelated, have both seen dramatic changes in population numbers due to their dependence on this warming pattern, and the effects will soon be felt in the coastal food chains that rely on these salmon, and the local fisherman in Northern California.
It is very useful to find a specific example of the effects of biodiversity loss. I also find that having a relevant example to things that are currently happening in California makes it easier to relate the topic to our society. It is very important to understand what affects biodiversity, because most people assume that humans are always the cause of biodiversity loss, but in this case it is almost completely out of our hands.
Your point is well taken- sometimes/often nature is the culprit. The environment changes and things either adapt, migrate or perish. Usually those changes are pretty slow though… and then of course some are hypothesizing the human induced climate change is causing more El Nino events… so maybe we’re behind this one too. Great take on your article.
It is important to know about biodiversity. I found it very interesting how biodiversity isn’t always our fault. Really stood out to me.