scenario

A scientific study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in March 2007, reported that many of the world's local climates could be radically changed if global warming trends continue. Many regions would experience biome-level changes.

Disappearing climates increase the likelihood of species extinctions. There is now renewed interest in more intense study of the tundra ecosystem and one unique mammal was recently discovered in the tundra by a group of scientists.

Scientists have recently discovered a unique mammal in the tundra. This mammal has an average length of 10 centimetres, including its tail. The tail of this mammal can be as long as its body. This creature has yet to be given a scientific name but the scientists who made the discovery are affectionately calling them “snow puppies”. With the changes in climate, likelihood of species extinctions is increased. There is now renewed interest to study more intensely on the tundra ecosystem and snow puppies.

It is observed that the snow puppies live in eusocial colonies of up to 80 within each colony dominated by a single breeding pair. They have a highly unusual set of physical traits, including a nearly cold-blooded metabolism that enables them to thrive in a harsh, underground sub-arctic environment.

Snow puppies live in burrows in arid tundra. The tunnel systems can stretch up to 5 kilometres in cumulative length. Scientists are intrigued by their complex systems of burrows which are an engineering feat. They continually dig tunnels in search of insects and edible roots and at the same time evade the deadly jaws of arctic foxes and wolves. Their large, protruding and powerful teeth are used to dig. While digging, their lips are sealed just behind their teeth to avoid filling their mouths with soil. Their legs are short and they have white thick fur. The snow puppies spend virtually their entire lives in the total darkness of underground burrows.

By 2100, global temperature will increase by 2 to 5 degrees celsius from current temperatures. For survival, the snow puppies would have to adapt to these climate changes.

The Challenge

Students are to propose theories and explanations on various features and behaviour of the snow puppies as well as on the environment these creatures live in. Students would have to apply their understanding of science and make predictions. They will be judged on the robustness of their reasoning and the clarity of their presentation.