Investigating the Effect of Drought on Floral Traits Mediating Pollinator Interactions
Abstract
Understanding the effects of water stress on flowering plants is crucial for ecosystem sustainability. Changing water availability due to climate shifts and persistent drought conditions have significant implications for the reproduction and survival of subalpine plants and their pollinators. This paper addressed two key questions: (1) Do changes in soil moisture levels have an effect on floral height and display size? (2) What is the relationship between floral traits and pollinator visitation? Field data was collected from three subalpine meadows in Gunnison County, Colorado, including measurements of floral traits, soil moisture, and pollinator visitation spanning three years. Our research team measured the floral display size, height, and abundance of two focal species: Linum lewisii, and Potentilla pulcherrima. The outcomes revealed a series of correlations: higher soil moisture was associated with taller plants but diminished displays. Pollinator visitation showed no significant correlations with floral traits.
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