An Analysis of the Evolutionary Advantages of Native Species in the Arid and Semi-Arid Landscapes of Northern Kenya
Open Access
Author:
Baron, Elizabeth
Area of Honors:
Biology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
David Hughes, Thesis Supervisor Sarah Mary Assmann, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Vachellia tortilis Vachellia abyssinica Salvadora persica Sansevieria erythraeae Balanites rotundifolia Prosopis juliflora ASAL Arid and semi-arid landscapes Kenya Climate change Adaptations
Abstract:
Climate change is rapidly transforming the planet, causing severe alterations to soil, landscapes, wildlife, weather patterns, and air quality that can critically disrupt ecosystems. Environments that have been getting hotter and drier due to climate change are at risk of becoming uninhabitable by native wildlife species. By studying plants in Kenya's arid and semi-arid landscapes, patterns of adaptations occurring in plants in response to the changing environment can be directly observed. Knowledge of adaptations can be used to provide aid to local Kenyan farmers to improve yield and productivity. Northern areas of Kenya were the primary focus of this study, specifically Marsabit, Samburu, and Turkana. This study used images of arid and semi-arid landscapes to gather a list of species that were further studied to gain information about the mechanisms that have allowed the species to inhabit the deteriorating area. Six model species were identified and analyzed: Vachellia tortilis, Vachellia abyssinica, Salvadora persica, Sansevieria erythraeae, Balanites rotundifolia, and Prosopis juliflora.
