McFawn,+A.

January 14th, 2017
With our generation's exposure to global warming, it is evident that all species are going to have to undergo adaptations in one way or another. Butterflies are one species whose adaptations to their environment are well noticed amongst scientists. Research has shown that lighter-coloured butterflies are thriving better than dark-coloured butterflies in the light of climate change. Studies done by scientists from Imperial College London, Philipps-University Marburg and University of Copenhagen have shown that as the climate warms across Europe, communities of butterflies are moving their geographical range north as Europe gets warmer.

The Effect of Climate Change on Light and Dark-coloured Butterflies Scientists found that lighter-coloured butterflies are doing better as temperatures get warmer. They examined 366 species of butterflies and noticed a pattern of light-coloured species dominating the warmer south of Europe and dark-coloured species dominating the cooler north of Europe. Earlier research suggested climate change potentially having an impact on the distribution of species, but these studies have proven assumptions about how climate change affects biodiversity. They have been able to show how butterflies are distributed based on their ability to regulate heat through their colour variation. This has given scientists a stronger understanding of what is causing major changes amongst fauna.

The Effect of Climate Change on Butterfly Populations The results of this research is also proof of how real climate change is and how it hugely affects species across the globe. It shows us how animals will potentially evolve and select for certain characteristics that will make them more fit for their environment. In the case of butterflies, lighter-coloured wings would be selected for amongst the population. This phenomenon could lead to the extinction of several species. As butterflies are most commonly found in mountainous areas and are accustomed to that climate, there are very little places they could move to in order to adapt easily. That being said, there are some species that are able to find sustainability in various conditions. Butterflies Adapting to Climate Change Although there are very few species of butterflies that are able to adapt to climate change, they do exist. One example of this is the Euphydryas editha quino or "Quino Checkerspot" butterfly. The species has managed to adapt its host plant and shift to higher altitudes where it originally was not found. Scientists have discovered that the butterfly has made changes to its genetics throughout its struggle to adapt, proving how quickly species are able to react to a changing environment.

media type="youtube" key="jfCt_iYVKcA" width="560" height="315" This video shows how climate change is effecting the population of butterflies and explains why they are moving northwards to find more suitable climatic conditions. They professors from the Department of Biology at the University of York also highlight what the future holds if this trend continues. Further reading: https://ideas4sustainability.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/witnessing-evolution-fast-genetic-adaptation-to-climate-change-in-butterflies/ This site offers many details on the fast genetic adaptation to climate change in butterflies.

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1776/20131800.short?rss=1 This site explains the specialization on widespread resources associated with rapid range expansion in response to climate change specific to butterflies.

http://www.ukbms.org/butterflyandenvironmental.aspx This site discusses butterflies and environmental changes and how the two are tied together and also highlights some interesting data.

https://www.epa.gov/climatechange/adapting-climate-change This site details adapting to climate change in a different perspective and also highlights some interesting facts and resources.

Sources cited: [] [] https://www.edf.org/blog/2016/05/26/how-climate-change-affects-monarch-butterfly-and-what-we-can-do-about-it

http://www.naba.org/pubs/ab201/ab201butterflies_and_climate_change.pdf **Wikipost #3 - Body Systems** **Insulin and Glucagon** **January 19th, 2017**
 * Out of all of the glands that work together in the endocrine system to maintain homeostasis of our bodies, the one that interests me the most is the pancreas. Why the pancreas? The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen that makes and releases insulin and glucagon. These two fascinating hormones work together in what's called a negative feedback loop to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. The two are often referred to as the "yin and yang" of blood glucose maintenance because of their ability to keep blood sugar levels in the narrow range that our bodies require.**



Glucagon
Blood sugar levels need to be kept at 90mg/100mL. When this level drops, alpha cells of the pancreas release glucagon. Glucagon is a peptide hormone that is produced by alpha cells in a part of the pancreas known as the islets of Langerhans. After being released, glucagon is absorbed by the liver and glycogen (which serves as a form of energy) is broken down into glucose. As a result, levels go up. This means alpha cells are able to shut off.

Insulin
Insulin is a protein-based hormone that is secreted by the beta cells inside the pancreas whenever the pancreas senses that the blood sugar is too high. Low levels of insulin are constantly being secreted into the bloodstream by the pancreas, even when blood glucose levels are normal. Insulin is produced by beta cells in a part of the pancreas known as the pancreatic islets. When blood glucose levels are too high, beta cells release insulin. The body cells absorb glucose and the liver synthesizes glycogen. As a result, levels drop. This means beta cells are able to shut off.

Diabetes
Your body’s regulation of blood glucose is an amazing metabolic feat. However, for some people, the process doesn’t work properly. Diabetes mellitus is the best known condition that causes problems with blood sugar balance. Diabetes refers to a group of diseases. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your body’s use or production of insulin and glucagon are off. And when the system is thrown out of balance, it can lead to dangerous levels of glucose in your blood.

Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is the least common of the two main types of diabetes. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system destroys the cells that make insulin in your pancreas. If you have type 1 diabetes, your pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. As a result, you must take insulin every day to make up for what your body does not produce. If you don't it can lead to fatal sickness or even death.

Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two main types of diabetes. In this case, your body makes insulin but your cells don’t respond to it normally. They don’t take in glucose from your bloodstream as well as they are supposed to, which leads to higher blood sugar levels. Over time, type 2 diabetes makes your body produce less insulin, which further raises your blood sugar levels and once again, can lead to fatal sickness or even death.

media type="youtube" key="kR_11ZyFSHY" width="560" height="315" This quick animated video provides an entertaining explanation of how insulin and glucagon work together to keep blood sugar levels in tact. I included this video because it is funny and allows you to understand hormones working in opposing mechanisms in a simpler way. Further reading: https://www.boundless.com/biology/textbooks/boundless-biology-textbook/the-endocrine-system-37/regulation-of-body-processes-212/hormonal-control-of-blood-calcium-levels-800-12036/ This website provides examples of other hormones of the endocrine system and how they work in opposing mechanisms, similar to insulin and glucagon. All working towards the same goal - homeostasis!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes This website provides an in depth look at diabetes and the types that exist outside of type 1 and type 2. It also answers questions such as symptoms, causes, diagnosis, etc.

http://anatomyandphysiologyi.com/homeostasis-positivenegative-feedback-mechanisms/ This website explains negative feedback mechanisms and how they work... as well as positive feedback mechanisms! If you're looking to understand the endocrine system's pathways and when they come into play, this is the site for you!

http://bcs.whfreeman.com/webpub/Ektron/pol1e/Animated%20Tutorials/at3902/at_3902_insulin_glucose_reg.html This website is pretty friggin' cool because it allows you to listen to a narrated animation of the process of blood sugar regulation or follow a tutorial AND take a quiz afterwards.

Sources cited: https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/diabetes/normal-regulation-blood-glucose http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx?cat=7001&id=7244 http://www.caninsulin.com/Glucose-metabolism.asp http://www.medbio.info/horn/time%203-4/homeostasis_2.htm https://www.boundless.com/biology/textbooks/boundless-biology-textbook/the-endocrine-system-37/regulation-of-body-processes-212/hormonal-regulation-of-metabolism-799-12035/