Winter Ecosystem Changes

1. Describe one way a plant or animal might adapt to survive the winter. Which of Earth's spheres (geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, or atmosphere) is most directly involved in this adaptation, and how?

2. Imagine a heavy snowfall in a forest. Explain how the hydrosphere (snow) interacts with the biosphere (trees and animals) and the geosphere (ground) in this winter ecosystem.

3. Climate change can affect winter ecosystems. If winters become warmer and shorter, predict how this might impact the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere in a forest ecosystem. Give a specific example of an animal adaptation that might become less helpful or more helpful in this new environment.