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Nocturnal Vs. Diurnal Insect Diversity Within Tropical Montane Forest Canopy, August 2004, Michael Rosenthal
Nocturnal Vs. Diurnal Insect Diversity Within Tropical Montane Forest Canopy, August 2004, Michael Rosenthal
Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]
Tropical forest canopies are unique environments with complex interactions, allowing for high levels of specialization for insects. The purpose of this study was to test whether increased specialization has created differences in species richness and diversity between nocturnal and diurnal canopy insects. To test this, insects were collected from six trees using suspended traps containing three types of bait (carrion, rotten fruit, and specific scents that attract euglossine bees). Diversity and species richness was quantified for diurnal and nocturnal traps of all three baits and for total number of insects collected diurnally and nocturnally. The results showed that on all …
Dung Beetle Response In Relationship To Manure Location, August 2004, Margaret Quinn
Dung Beetle Response In Relationship To Manure Location, August 2004, Margaret Quinn
Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]
Dung beetle ecology is an integral part of nutrient cycling within ecosystems around the world. Farms benefit from the decomposer action of dung beetles from the nutrients imputed into the soil and the breakdown of helminthes parasites. This study analyzed the effects of varying dung location within pastures on dung beetle response. It was hypothesized that cow manure closer to forest edges would elicit a greater response than manure located further away. Also, manure located near an edge would elicit a greater beetle response overall when compared to manure in the middle of the pasture. Three pastures located in San …
The Effects Of Elevation On Epiphyte Richness And Density On Cloud Forest Tree Ferns (Cyatheaceae And Dicksoniaceae), August 2004, Chad Taylor
Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]
Epiphytes play an integral role in nutrient cycling in tropical rainforests and are often found on the trunks of tree ferns. This study examined the role of elevation on epiphyte load on tree ferns. Ninety-six tree ferns were examined along an elevational gradient, and data were collected regarding the identity and dimensions of the trees as well as their elevations and the number and type of epiphytes on their trunks. Epiphyte abundance was not significantly correlated with elevation, but epiphyte load was significantly related to tree fern morphology. The Alsophila, whose spines likely provide a prime habitat for epiphytes, possessed …
The Effects Of Predator Presence On Nectarivorous Bat Foraging Behavior, August 2004, Rachael Heuer
The Effects Of Predator Presence On Nectarivorous Bat Foraging Behavior, August 2004, Rachael Heuer
Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]
For many species, predator avoidance changes normal foraging behavior, altering optimal foraging strategies. In this study, foraging behavior of bats was examined by observing the number of feeding visits to control feeders in comparison to feeders with an artificial snake or owl in close proximity. Trials were also performed between snake and owl treatments to determine if one predator was more strongly avoided during feeding. Nectarivorous bats were found to exhibit predator avoidance behaviors for both snake and owl predators (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in trials comparing owl and snake avoidance, suggesting that bats do not fear one more than the other (P = 0.947). This study shows that predator presence must be taken into account along with search time, handling time, and caloric reward when evaluating optimal foraging models with necatarivorous bats.