For years, industrial sites that once fueled the city’s economy have sat idle and deteriorating in and around residential areas. Now, the brownfields are presenting an opportunity for residents to re-invent their neighborhoods.
The article didn't get our results quite right- the ground squirrels are actually larger today than they were in the past. The climate in CA today is wetter and warmer than it was 20,000 years ago (when glaciers were at their maximum extent in North America- very cold and dry conditions). Bill (the previous poster) is absolutely right that the animals are probably responding to their food supply. They are larger today because it is wetter and warmer today, which is usually a signal of higher plant productivity and perhaps a larger food supply for these animals. --Jessica Blois
Posted on April 2 at 8:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The article didn't get our results quite right- the ground squirrels are actually larger today than they were in the past. The climate in CA today is wetter and warmer than it was 20,000 years ago (when glaciers were at their maximum extent in North America- very cold and dry conditions). Bill (the previous poster) is absolutely right that the animals are probably responding to their food supply. They are larger today because it is wetter and warmer today, which is usually a signal of higher plant productivity and perhaps a larger food supply for these animals. --Jessica Blois
On Squirrels may offer climate change insight