Common garden experiments involve growing individuals from different populations in a common environment. This can be done with plants or animals, and it allows researchers to control for environmental factors that might confound the results of a reciprocal transplant experiment. For example, a researcher might grow individuals from a warm population of a plant species and a cold population of the same species in a greenhouse. By comparing the performance of the two groups of plants, the researcher can learn how the species responds to different genetic backgrounds.
Field experiments involve studying species in their natural environments. This can be done with plants or animals, and it allows researchers to observe the species' responses to environmental changes in real time. For example, a researcher might study a population of a plant species in a forest that is experiencing climate change. By monitoring the population over time, the researcher can learn how the species is responding to the changing climate.
Microcosm experiments involve studying species in small, controlled environments. This can be done with plants or animals, and it allows researchers to isolate and study the effects of specific environmental factors on the species. For example, a researcher might study a population of a plant species in a laboratory experiment that controls for temperature, light, and water availability. By manipulating these factors, the researcher can learn how the species responds to different environmental conditions.
Modeling involves using mathematical models to predict how species will respond to climate change. This can be done with plants or animals, and it allows researchers to explore a wide range of possible future scenarios. For example, a researcher might use a model to predict how a population of a plant species will respond to a certain amount of warming or a certain amount of precipitation change. By running the model multiple times, the researcher can get a sense of the range of possible outcomes.
