A plant biologist is studying a region where rainfall has decreased by 15% over the last decade. If the original average annual rainfall was 1,200 mm, and the plant species requires at least 900 mm annually to thrive, what percentage of the area will now support this species if only 60% of the land meets the requirement?

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:55:51 +0000

**A Plant Biologist Is Studying a Region Where Rainfall Has Decreased by 15% Over the Last Decade — What This Means for native ecosystems across the U.S.** In the face of noticeable shifts in climate patterns, a growing number of researchers are investigating how prolonged changes in rainfall affect plant survival across regions. Recent data reveals a 15% decline in average annual rainfall over the last decade, reducing the original 1,200 mm to approximately 1,020 mm per year. For native plant species accustomed to at least 900 mm to thrive, this drop now maps a critical question: How much of the region remains viable habitat? With 60% of the land technically meets the minimum water requirement, the real challenge lies in understanding how reduced rainfall impacts plant distribution. The insights emerging are reshaping both science and land-use strategy in the U.S. --- ### Why A plant biologist is studying a region where rainfall has decreased by 15% over the last decade. If the original average annual rainfall was 1,200 mm, and the plant species requires at least 900 mm annually to thrive, actual movement in ecosystems is already underway.