Problem:

An isolated population of a small annual plant (without a seed bank) grows on a 700 m high, north-facing hillside in northern England. The other populations of this species occur in the mountains of Scotland and Scandinavia.

Question:

a) Outline three hypotheses to explain why this population survives on this isolated hillside.

b) observations and measurements, and

c) experiments to assess whether this plant population would be able to survive a 3oC climate warming.

In each case, also explain what analyses would be required to estimate whether survival was possible.

Cost and assistance are unlimited, but the results must be delivered within five years.

Please provide discription of all the answers.