Topic Introduction

In this topic, we will introduce the concepts of gynecology function and transfer function.  These two functions are essential to model the climatic niche of populations within a species. We will discuss the features and differences between these two models and their potential applications. 

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Define genecology function and transfer function;
• List the major features of genecology function and transfer function;
• List the advantages of using climatic variables over geographic variables in developing genecology function and transfer function;
• Describe the potential use of these two functions in mitigation of the impact of climate change.

Topic Readings

Required Readings

• None

Optional Readings

• O’Neill, G., A. Hamann, and T. Wang. 2008. Accounting for population variation improves estimates of climate change impacts on species’ growth and distribution. Journal of Applied Ecology 45:1040–1049.

Fundamental Concepts

Self Check (For Certificate Learning only)

After reading for this topic, take 5 minutes to take an online self-check quiz for the topic. The main purpose of the quiz is for you to self-check how well you grasp the contents for this topic. It will cover contents of the lecture(s) for the topic. Five attempts are allowed and highest mark will be saved to show your achievement.

When you are ready, click the link Self-check Quiz 4.2 to start taking the quiz.

Activities & Assignments (For Certificate Learning only)

Online Discussions

Online discussions are much like face-to-face discussions. Students are required preparation and active participation in order to the learning objectives. The online discussion will be asynchronous (i.e., students can participate at different times) and will be closed at the end of the week. This discussion accounts for 2 marks graded based on participation and quality of the posts. Each student is required to have at least one post. Everyone is encouraged to rate each post. The first post account for 70%, the second one for 20% and third one for 10% of the participation, respectively. The first post with at least five sentences is considered as the “first post”. A simply “Yes or No” post is not considered as a post. The quality is graded by both Instructor (50%) and peer rating (50%).

Discussion Topics:

1. Genecology functions vs. transfer functions in applications of climate change adaptation
2. Geographic variables vs. climate variables in developing genecology functions and transfer functions.

To participate in the discussion, please go to Online Discussion 4.2 class forum.

Graded Assignments

Assignment 4

Assignment 4: Listing Important Parameters for Running FORECAST-CLIMATE due at 23:59pm on Day 7 of this week. See Course Schedule for specific due date.

Topic Summary

Genecology functions and transfer functions are important tools for developing forest adaptive strategies. These tools are used to delineate breeding zones, to develop climate-based seed transfer systems. We discussed the advantages and limitations of these tools. Although both geographic variables and climate variables can be used to develop transfer functions and genecology functions, climate variables have clear advantages over the geographic variables.

Topic Self-review (For self learning)

Please use the reflection questions below as study guide to conduct self-review for the topic:

1. Why genecology function can help to develop forest adaptation strategies?
2. What is the major difference between genecology function and transfer function?
3. What is the difference between a provenance and a populaiton?
4. Why climate variables are more important than geographical variables?