High in Tasmania’s national parks and deep within its ancient caves, a tiny creature is helping reveal the effects of climate change. It’s also inspiring a young researcher’s passion for science.
Bachelor of Science (Honours) student Josh Greenhill is investigating the mountain shrimp, an endemic species found only in Tasmania’s alpine and cave environments. His research explores how these fascinating crustaceans are responding to a warming world.
“The cave environment is so different to the surface,” Josh explains. “There’s no light, no seasonal change. And the shrimp that live there have developed specialised traits to survive. It’s amazing biology and a great indicator of how species might adapt, or not, to climate change.”
Josh’s project focuses on the thermal tolerance of both cave and surface shrimp populations. By comparing their responses to temperature change, he hopes to understand how climate variability could affect these animals and other cave-dwelling species.
To read the full article, click the link here: Josh explores Tasmania, one shrimp at a time | University of Tasmania
