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Harvard Forest REU Symposium Abstract 2015
- Title: The Determinants that Limit the Northern Range of Common Woodland Ants
- Author: Megan L Brown (Unity College)
- Abstract:
Abstract:
Aphaenogaster picea reaches the northern limits of its distribution in Maine. The causes for the A. picea not found above the 45 degrees N are unknown. Abiotic factors such as climate may limit their ability to move into suitable habitat. In order to determine whether climate influences their range, measures of distribution and abundance were associated with their physiological traits and local environmental conditions. Distribution and abundance were measured by sampling ant colonies in a 50 mile wide transect along 45 degrees N latitude across Maine. In total, 38 plots were sampled, all evenly distributed above and below 45N. 18 A. picea colonies were collected and reared under common garden and subjected to hot and cold treatments to determine their physiological limits. There was no relationship between heat tolerance (CTmax) and any climatic factors such as mean annual temperature, seasonality, and temperature max. For cold tolerance, we predict that lower thermal limits (CTmin) will most likely have a relationship with the distribution and mean annual temperature of A. picea. Climate, mainly temperature, acts as a selective force on cold tolerance but not heat tolerance. Climate may limit the colonization of A. picea north of 45 degrees N latitude. - Research Category: Physiological Ecology, Population Dynamics, and Species Interactions
