Biodiversity is adapting to climate change induced warming in two broad ways. 

First, by altering their phenology which may result in temporal mismatches with interacting species. Studies have shown that advanced spring phenology (early leaf out, early flowering) and delayed fall phenology (senescence happening later in the year) have led to mismatches with plant-pollinator and plant-herbivore phenology. This has resulted in population losses in several species. 

Second, species are adapting by shifting their distribution range toward the poles or toward higher elevations. These adaptations have resulted in changes in ecosystem structure and function.

Our study will document the changes in ecosystem structure by measuring the vegetation species richness, diversity, and height. Ecosystem function will be measured by changes in aboveground biomass, specific leaf area (a measure of growth rate), and number of leaves per target species. We will also quantify plant-pollinator temporal mismatches using bagging experiments and by comparing seed set success in treatment (experimental passive warming) and control.  

The ultimate question is what is the impact of climate change (warming) on native prairie ecosystem structure and function?

We will simulate climate change-induced warming by using an open-top chamber (OTC) which consists of clear plastic sides that warms the air in the enclosure (like a greenhouse). The OTC warms the enclosure by about 1-2o C. The open top allows rain to fall freely into the chamber. Thus, we will be able to isolate one variable (temperature) while keeping most other variables constant (precipitation, edaphic (soil) conditions, solar radiation, exposure to sun, etc.).