Alterations-of-the-Body-0.mp3
Alterations-of-the-Body-0.mp4
Alterations-of-the-Body-I.mp3
Alterations-of-the-Body-I.mp4
Alterations-of-the-Body-intro.mp3
[Intro]
Your changing my mind
(And my body, too)
It sure ain’t kind
(You do what you do)
[Verse 1]
Upright primate
Is messing with my climate
Pushing to spread disease
As you please
[Chorus]
Your changing my mind
(And my body, too)
It sure ain’t kind
(You do what you do)
[Bridge]
I’m thinking…
(You’re causing my shrinking)
Altering my home
(Changing where I roam)
[Verse 2]
(Woe) Can’t understand
Man’s damned demand
So out of touch
With way too much
[Chorus]
Your changing my mind
(And my body, too)
It sure ain’t kind
(You do what you do)
[Bridge]
I’m thinking…
(You’re causing my shrinking)
Altering my home
(Changing where I roam)
[Chorus]
Your changing my mind
(And my body, too)
It sure ain’t kind
(You do what you do)
[Outro]
I’m thinking…
(You’re causing my shrinking)
Altering my home
(Changing where I roam)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Climate change is significantly impacting small mammals in North America, including species like skunks and raccoons. These effects manifest through alterations in body size, shifts in geographic distribution, and changes in population dynamics.
Body Size Reduction
Recent studies have observed a trend of decreasing body size among small mammals in response to rising temperatures. Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that over the past century, small mammals across North America have experienced reductions in body size, potentially as an adaptive response to warmer climates.
Geographic Distribution Shifts
Climate-induced habitat changes are prompting species like raccoons to expand their ranges northward. Warming temperatures facilitate raccoon migration into previously inhospitable regions, such as boreal forests, potentially disrupting existing ecosystems.
Population Dynamics and Urbanization
Some small mammals, including skunks and raccoons, exhibit high adaptability to urban environments. As climate change alters natural habitats, these species may increasingly inhabit urban areas, leading to higher population densities in cities. This urban shift can result in more frequent human-wildlife interactions and challenges in wildlife management.
Health and Disease Concerns
Changes in climate and habitat can influence the health of small mammal populations. For instance, skunks and raccoons are known reservoirs for various viruses, including rabies and canine distemper. Environmental stressors and increased urbanization may exacerbate the spread of these diseases, posing risks to other wildlife and human health.
In summary, the current climate crisis is affecting small mammals in North America through changes in physical characteristics, distribution patterns, and population dynamics. These shifts have broader ecological implications, influencing biodiversity and ecosystem health.