The process of manually diverting water from stream channels for agricultural purposes, industrial uses, and other reasons is practiced universally worldwide. These diversions of water are primarily characterized by a reduction in total flow within the stream. This study examines the response of ben

The purpose of this study is to test several macroecological statistical theories in the sub- alpine environment. Statistical theories are based on purely statistical assumptions, and these predictions were tested against measured values for macroecological metrics including the species-abundance di

Raising offspring is one of the most important roles of mothers in many species. We studied maternal care in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and how it is affected by stress. Stress helps these rodents survive hazardous situations. To study this, we observed the marmots at The Rocky Mo

Due to climatic changes, sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) is likely to increase its elevational range in the Rocky Mountains, which could have significant effect on alpine communities. Little is known about the demographics of sagebrush populations, partially due to difficulties in age

Insect herbivores consume plant tissue, reducing plant fitness in the process. In response, plants have evolved a variety of mechanical and chemical defenses to protect themselves. This paper focuses on trichomes, which are hair-like appendages that extend from leaf tissues, and plants use them as a

Local temperature increases and more frequent extreme rainfall events are predicted effects of climate change at high latitudes (IPCC 2007). Precipitation regimes are also shifting, but science is less able to predict these patterns (IPCC 2007). Water balance is critical as it ultimately drives prim

Sodium is an essential nutrient for all animals, and in terrestrial ecosystems it is often difficult for plant consumers to obtain the necessary amount of Na since plants generally do not prosper in high salt environments. While carnivores get adequate salt due to bioaccumulation from their prey, he

Red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) are an integral part of the aspen (Populus tremuloides) ecosystem in the montane western U.S. They are a double keystone species, providing both shelter and nutrients to a variety of organisms within the system. Numerous studies have documented the importa

Invasive species is destructive to many habitats because it prevents several native species to grow. Controlling invasive species is challenging because invasive also prefer conditions what native likes (Gusewell 2004). The purpose of the experiment was to manipulate the nutrient available to L. vul

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Dark Septate Endophytes (DSE) participate in symbiotic relationships with host plants in the Rocky Mountains. The effects of plant-host phenology on these fungal symbionts is important in our understanding of how climate changes effects on plants will change th

In the face of global climate change, it is important to know how ecosystems will be affected so that conservation efforts may be more successful. In mountainous regions, effects of climate change may be especially pronounced due to steep elevation gradients and specific habitat requirements. The No

Climate change is leading to shifts in precipitation, including longer and more severe droughts. Perennial wildflowers in subalpine dry meadows are affected by current and potentially future droughts in the Rocky Mountains, and several species have shown phenotypic plasticity in response to environm

There are many types of pollinators, all of which have an effect on a plant’s reproductive success. As the types of pollinators are variable, so are their effects on the plant. In this study, I estimated the single-­‐visit efficacy of two different Colorado bees, Psithyrus insularis and Megachile, o

Invasive and native plant interactions are well studied, but the influence of invasive plants on native pollination systems is largely ignored. Native pollinators, specifically bees, feed their young with pollen and nectar they harvest from plants. An invasive plant could greatly augment the foragin