Beavers are ecological engineers, benefitting the aquatic ecosystems with their dams and ponds. The beaver ponds change over time; beaver ponds of different ages will have different characteristics. These differences will influence what types of aquatic invertebrates will inhabit these ponds. Unders

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 p

Larval food stress for the butterfly Speyeria mormonia causes less pigmentation in female butterflies. For this reason, males may approach females with higher pigmentation more often because it is a sign that they are healthier. Past studies have shown that this could be true, but they have not take

While plant-pollinator networks are salient markers of biodiversity, their mechanisms remain poorly understood. One theory describing pollination interactions is the Neutral Theory of Biodiversity, which asserts that plant-pollinator interactions are neutral, random processes based on species’ abund

Nestlings have evolved to communicate their status of need through visual and vocal begging displays. These behaviors allow nestlings to obtain resources, aiding in their chance of reproductive success. I predicted that increased intensity of nestling begging behavior would lead to increased rates o

Community interactions are shaped by the species’ traits dependent on an array of biotic and abiotic factors, yet relatively little is understood about the importance of these factors. Plants have been shown to adapt based on in situ herbivore pressure and abiotic conditions. As herbivore density is

Arizona tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum) can thrive in a large variety of environments including high elevation ecosystems where climate change conditions are most drastic. Accurate biophysical models of the water loss and operative temperature for A. m. nebulosum can be used as too

Bumble bees are crucial pollinators in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. For effective conservation of this important group of pollinators, it is essential to understand their basic ecology, such as their interactions with floral food resources. In this study, we used a long-term dataset (5

Dispersal, the movement of individual from their natal site to breeding sites or between breeding sites, is one of many mechanisms that species establish to increase the gene flow among population. Population density, which associates with competition, can have a great effect on the dispersal rate t