Dandelion Bloom © Royal Botannical Gardens, Dr. Donald Gunn Image Collection. Click to enlarge.
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Why watch dandelions? Trends in the spring blooming of dandelions provide excellent indicators of climate change since they flower largely in response to seasonal increases in temperature. Warmer spring temperatures usually mean earlier blooming.
Looking at the same plant or patch of dandelions every year, then recording the date that they flower will help scientists measure how the climate is changing.
The time to record this year's first blooms has already passed but you can check out the Dandelion Watch Web site to view this year's results and to read up on how to get ready for next year.
Is biodiversity a mystery to you? You probably know a lot more than you think. Climb into our lively world of biodiversity and view the planet from a whole new perspective. It's easy to do!
Biodiversity encompasses all living species on Earth and their relationship to each other. This includes the differences in genes, species and ecosystems.
Visit the Kid's Zone of the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network.
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