Both meteorology and biology study the phenology of organisms. This is simply the observation of how organisms evolve throughout their life cycle. In other words, it examines the variation in their characteristics and life cycle in response to the prevailing environmental conditions. Climate, soil, and biotic factors all influence the phenology of organisms. Climate change is severely altering the phenology of many living beings, leading to decreased survival rates.
In this article we are going to analyze in depth the characteristics of the phenology of living beings and how climate change is affecting their life cycle. Do you want to know how animals and plants live? Just keep reading 
Objective of phenology
Phenology studies the dates on which the different phases of plant development begin. These phases are recorded chronologically, and observations are made to analyze their interactions with other living organisms. For example, in the case of butterfly larvae, the time they become larvae is close to the time when the chicks of some bird species need food to grow. This timing is crucial for the chicks to thrive. If the larval phenology is altered, the chicks will not have enough food.
Observations are made throughout the year and recorded to ensure a reliable record of the life cycle of the organisms studied. Quantitative data related to plant development are also studied. This refers to comparing the plant's growth in size, weight, volume, photosynthetic efficiency, and chemical composition.
Once all the data has been collected, it's possible to understand the behavior of many organisms depending on the time of year. Furthermore, it's crucial to understand that climate change influences these behaviors.
Problems of birds
It's important to understand phenology to create, for example, nesting sites for birds and ensure their reproductive success. Many bird species are in danger of extinction due to human urban expansion.
Migratory birds face serious difficulties completing their seasonal journeys to areas with more favorable temperatures. This is because human impacts mean that birds lack safe places to rest and nest after their long migration. Young birds require care and food from their parents. However, the ecological balance is being disrupted by human activity. This damage is evident, as in recent years, 30% fewer migratory birds have been observed arriving in Spain due to changes in their phenology.
By affecting a specific species, all the species on which they depended in a certain way are affected. If a plant species that a rabbit feeds on dies in an area, rabbit populations will fall, and thus the predatory species that feed on rabbits. This is known as a food chain.
For all these reasons, the phenology of birds is carefully studied. That is, their cycles of reproduction, nesting, courtship, migration, etc. , which are related to topics such as [missing information]. As we will see later, climate change is seriously affecting the balance of these species and their survival.
Crop phenology and phenological observations
Phenology is also analyzed in cultivation. This helps improve crop yields by identifying the optimal time to fertilize, water, or prune, ensuring optimal growth and development. Furthermore, it's essential for preventing pests and diseases. There are times of year when insect pests are more active and reproduce more rapidly. Knowing this allows for preventative measures to be implemented as the peak insect activity period approaches.
The same applies to diseases. In winter, given the more frequent adverse conditions and rainfall, there is more humidity. Excess humidity usually leads to crop diseases. With changes in temperature, it can be observed that cleaner air could worsen the consequences of global warming on agriculture.
To improve crop yields, a basic understanding of meteorology is essential. Knowing about prevailing winds , cloud types , temperatures , and other factors can greatly assist in crop care.
Reliable phenological data is crucial not only in agriculture but also in related industries . For example, it's essential to know the average flowering, fruiting, and ripening dates for many crops. This data is fundamental for effective agricultural and industrial planning.
If the influence of environmental conditions on each stage of crop development is also known, it is possible to predict the advancement or delay in their development. Furthermore, it is crucial for the wine industry to understand the different stages of crops and their phenology to optimize production.
The phenological observations that are carried out for a long time, allow to draw conclusions in the field of scientific research. Also, it is very useful in agriculture and industry. It greatly favors the knowledge of the probable dates of the different phases of development, the duration of the different sub-periods, the deadlines and the frequency of occurrence of biological phenomena.
Vine phenology
We are going to name the phases of grapevine phenology to give an example of its usefulness.
- Winter bud
- Weeping vine
- Swollen yolk
- Green tips
- The first leaves appear (incipient leaves)
- Leaf extension
- First bunches
- Racemes further apart (they are inflorescences)
- Flower buds (clusters fully developed)
- Fall of withered stamens (it is called curdling)
- Cluster closure (increase in fruit size)
- Start of veraison (loss of chlorophyll)
- Ripening
- Leaf fall
At each stage of the grapevine's life cycle, the function and development of its parts can be observed. Understanding these stages is important for preventing certain pests and diseases and optimizing fertilization and irrigation. Different seasons require different care, so it's crucial to maintain them properly, as climate change can disrupt their growth.
With this information you can learn more about the phenology of organisms.
