
Animals have long been thought to be able to predict the weather. From Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, to stories of cats sensing a storm, there are many examples of animals seemingly having a sixth sense for shifts in the climate. While this has never been scientifically proven, there is evidence that animals are more attuned to their environment and can detect subtle changes that humans cannot.
For example, it is thought that turtles are better at predicting seasonal changes in temperature than ambient temperature. A recent study found that rainfall was a better indicator of sea turtle hatchling size than temperature, with hatchlings growing to a larger size in cooler and moister conditions.
Turtles are not the only animal thought to be able to predict the weather. Cows, for instance, are known to lie down before it rains, and birds tend to fly lower when a storm is approaching.
Characteristics | Values |
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Can turtles predict the weather? | There is no evidence that turtles can predict the weather. However, research suggests that rainfall may be a better predictor of sea turtle hatchling size than ambient temperature. |
What You'll Learn
- Sea turtles' temperature measurements can improve seasonal climate predictions
- Rainfall may be a better predictor of sea turtle hatchling size than temperature
- Cows are restless before stormy weather and may lie down in a dry spot
- Frogs croak more before a storm as rain helps their mating efforts
- Birds are good weather predictors as they fly low when a storm is coming
Sea turtles' temperature measurements can improve seasonal climate predictions
Sea Turtles Temperature Measurements Can Improve Seasonal Climate Predictions
Sea turtles are known to be sensitive to temperature changes, and their temperature measurements can be used to improve seasonal climate predictions. In a study published in the Frontiers in Marine Science journal, researchers found that adding temperature data from sea turtles to the existing Global Ocean Observing System can enhance regional seasonal prediction. This is especially true for the Arafura Sea, located between northern Australia and New Guinea Island, where sea turtles provided valuable temperature data from the surface to a depth of about 120 meters.
The Impact of Sea Turtle Temperature Measurements on Seasonal Prediction
The impact of sea turtle temperature measurements on seasonal prediction was studied using a coupled general circulation model called SINTEX-F2. The model was initialized using temperature data from sea turtles and other sources such as satellites, mooring buoys, ships, and profiling floats. The results showed that the addition of sea turtle temperature data improved the prediction of regional sea surface temperatures in the Arafura Sea by 3-4 months.
The Benefits of Sea Turtle Temperature Measurements
Sea turtle temperature measurements provide valuable information about the initial state of the upper ocean, which is crucial for seasonal prediction. By including sea turtle data, the representation of the upper ocean's initial state is improved, leading to more accurate predictions. This is especially important for societal applications such as agriculture, human health, and natural disaster prevention.
The Limitations and Future of Sea Turtle Temperature Measurements
While sea turtle temperature measurements have shown promise in improving seasonal climate predictions, there are some limitations. The study conducted by Doi et al. was a pilot study with a limited amount of data. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of sea turtle temperature measurements on a larger scale. Additionally, further development is required for real-time collection and dissemination of sea turtle temperature data.
In conclusion, sea turtles' temperature measurements have the potential to improve seasonal climate predictions, especially in regions like the Arafura Sea. By including sea turtle data in the existing Global Ocean Observing System, we can enhance our understanding of the initial state of the upper ocean and make more accurate predictions. Further research and technological advancements are needed to fully realize the benefits of sea turtle temperature measurements.
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Rainfall may be a better predictor of sea turtle hatchling size than temperature
Rainfall: A Better Predictor of Sea Turtle Hatchling Size than Temperature?
Sea turtles are fascinating creatures with a complex life cycle. From the moment they emerge from their eggs, these tiny reptiles face an arduous journey to the sea, where they will spend the rest of their lives. But how do environmental factors impact their development? Recent research suggests that rainfall may play a more critical role in determining the size of sea turtle hatchlings than ambient temperature.
The Study
An international team of researchers from the University of Tübingen in Germany, Florida Atlantic University, and Humboldt University in Berlin set out to explore this very question. Their comprehensive study utilized data from 37 beaches worldwide, including a longitudinal study in Florida and experiments on the Cape Verde Islands. The focus was on two species of sea turtles: the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), both of which are endangered.
The Impact of Rainfall on Hatchling Size
The study found that rainfall had a more significant influence on the development of sea turtle hatchlings than changes in air temperature. Specifically, rainfall was found to cool the surface of the beach and increase the moisture available for egg development. This had varying effects on the hatchlings of the two turtle species. For loggerhead turtles, heavier rainfall resulted in hatchlings with smaller carapaces (shells) but greater weight, while green turtle hatchlings exhibited larger carapaces without a change in body mass.
Conservation Implications
The findings of this study have important implications for sea turtle conservation efforts. By understanding the impact of regional weather on incubation and hatchling development, conservationists can refine their strategies to protect these endangered species in the face of global warming. Larger hatchlings, for instance, have a better chance of survival due to their faster movement away from risky beach sands. Additionally, the study underscores the need for localized data on how regional weather influences sea turtle populations, as global conservation strategies may need to be updated to account for shifting rainfall patterns.
While the influence of air and sand temperatures on sea turtle hatchling growth has been well-studied, this research highlights the critical role of precipitation in determining hatchling size. The complex interplay between temperature and moisture during the incubation period ultimately shapes the turtles' chances of survival in their vulnerable early life stage. As such, rainfall may indeed be a better predictor of sea turtle hatchling size than ambient temperature.
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Cows are restless before stormy weather and may lie down in a dry spot
Cows: The Bovine Barometers
Cows are known as "The Bovine Barometers" due to their apparent ability to predict stormy weather. According to folklore, cows lie down when it's about to rain, and over 60% of people in the UK believe this to be true. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Cows lie down for various reasons, such as resting or chewing their cud, and they spend up to half of their time doing so. Therefore, it is likely a coincidence when cows lie down before a storm.
Cow Behaviour and Weather Prediction
While cows may not be reliable weather forecasters, their behaviour can sometimes provide clues about impending storms. For example, cows tend to stand in hot weather to expose more skin for effective cooling. So, if cows are lying down, it could be a sign that the temperature is dropping, which is often associated with stormy weather. Additionally, cows may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which typically occurs before a storm.
The Impact of Weather on Cattle
Weather patterns can significantly impact cattle, affecting their reproduction and calving processes. For instance, a drop in air temperature might prompt cows to lie down, indicating rain. However, cattle specialists like Justin Rhinehart believe that we don't fully understand the connection between cattle behaviour and weather patterns to rely on it for planning purposes.
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Frogs croak more before a storm as rain helps their mating efforts
Frogs are exceptionally sensitive to atmospheric and temperature changes, especially those related to global warming. They rely on water for survival and reproduction, so they are more likely to breed successfully after a substantial rainstorm.
Frogs croak to either attract potential mates or to protect their territory from other male frogs. This croaking is louder just before a storm because the sound is reflected and magnified by low clouds. The humid air before a storm also means that frogs can stay out of the water for longer, allowing them to croak for longer.
The rain provides the necessary moisture for egg-laying. Frogs lay their eggs in small clutches of 13-56 fairly large eggs in frothy cover, often in burrows.
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Birds are good weather predictors as they fly low when a storm is coming
Birds are widely believed to be good weather predictors, with several weather proverbs and folklore centred around their behaviour. While there is little scientific research on the topic, some studies have found that birds may be able to predict storms.
One such study from the University of California in 2014 found that a group of golden-winged warblers fled their breeding grounds in the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee well in advance of devastating storms that would spawn at least 84 recorded tornadoes. The birds detected the storm and knew where to fly to avoid it, despite there being no apparent changes in atmospheric pressure, temperature, or wind speed.
Another study in 2018 by Dr. Christopher Heckscher of Delaware State University found that veeries, a small species of North American thrush, may be able to predict storms months in advance. Dr. Heckscher studied the correlation between the nesting habits of veeries and the severity of hurricane seasons over many years. He found that in years with a more severe hurricane season, the veeries ended their breeding season and migrated south earlier to avoid the storms. While Dr. Heckscher does not know how the birds predicted the hurricanes, he thinks they may be aware of precipitation patterns linked to El Niño and La Niña cycles, which impact hurricane activity.
Birds are believed to be able to predict storms through their ability to detect changes in air pressure. Their pressure-sensitive ears allow them to maintain their cruising altitude during migration and help them to avoid the discomfort of falling air pressure before a storm. Swallows, for example, fly as close to the ground as possible when the barometric pressure drops. Low-flying birds are generally a sign of rain, while high-flying birds indicate fair weather.
Birds also tend to eat more before a storm, stocking up on food while the getting is good. They may also get very quiet before a big storm, with the natural world becoming eerily silent.
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