Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Release From Intraspecific Competition Promotes Dominance Of A Non-Native Invader, Robert Warren
Release From Intraspecific Competition Promotes Dominance Of A Non-Native Invader, Robert Warren
Biology Faculty Datasets
Species can coexist through equalizing (similar fitness abilities) and stabilizing (unique niche requirements) mechanisms – assuming that intraspecific competition imposes more limitation than interspecific competition. Non-native species often de-stabilize coexistence, suggesting that they bring either a fitness advantage or a distinct niche requirement. We tested whether greater fitness or unique niche requirements best explained a successful North American invasion by the European Myrmica rubra ant. North American invaded-range M. rubra aggressively sting and occur in enormous numbers (suggesting a fitness advantage), yet our study site has a history of anthropogenic disturbance that might favor M. rubra (suggesting a unique niche). …
Interacting Effects Of Urbanization And Coastal Gradients On Ant Thermal Responses, Robert Warren
Interacting Effects Of Urbanization And Coastal Gradients On Ant Thermal Responses, Robert Warren
Biology Faculty Datasets
Urban-to-rural gradients intersect with other, often unmeasured, environmental gradients that may influence or even supersede species responses. Here we use coastal-to-interior and urban-rural gradients to investigate woodland ant response (physiological thermal tolerance, community structure and spring phenology) to two overlapping thermal gradients, the Great Lakes (Erie and Ontario) and the Buffalo, NY urban center (USA). Woodland ant physiological and behavioral responses, and community responses, shifted along the coastal-to-interior and urban-rural gradients, but they were generally best explained by lake effects (though urban ants tolerated higher temperatures than rural ants). The relatively colder spring temperatures in coastal areas (as compared to …