A gain of function polymorphism controlling complex traits and fitness in nature
The effect of cytotype on radial growth rate in quaking aspen (<i> Populus tremuloides </i>) across environmental gradients
Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees are a foundation species that is widely distributed across all North America. Since the early 2000s, high levels of mortality have been observed in these forests. In recent decades, many quaking aspen forests have been experiencing high mortality rates. This
Temperature Selection in the Arizona Tiger Salamander (<i> Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum </i>)
High-elevation ecosystems are experiencing rapid warming and severe impact of global climate change. The Arizona Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum) occurs in high elevation ponds in the West Elk Mountains of Colorado and offers a compelling system to test context-dependent responses to
Trade-offs associated with food availability and predator avoidance behavior of a stream mayfly
We studied the effects of food availability and predator cues on mayflies at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) in Gothic, CO. Organisms in a wide variety of ecological systems must deal with trade-offs between functions necessary to sustain their populations. Specifically, we were inte
Investigating the relationship between <i> Bombus appositus </i> abundance and its overlap with key floral resources
Many species of bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are experiencing population declines. In subalpine ecosystems, climate change is altering floral phenology by causing an earlier blooming period, which creates a growing season with sparser resources. Since bumble bees and their floral resources depend on ph
Spatial distribution of mule deer (<i>Odocoileus hemionus</i>): Effects of plant palatability and habitat structure
Scientists at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) have recorded more mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) activity density within the Gothic town site relative to outside the town site. One hypothesis to account for increased deer activity in Gothic is that coyotes, who prey on deer fawns, av
Alpine vascular flora of Buffalo Peaks, Mosquito Range, Colorado, USA
Effects of climate change on the elevational distribution of bumble bees near Crested Butte, CO: comparing data across 47 years
As climate change continues to alter the abiotic environment, many organisms must adapt to survive. In montane systems where changes in elevation can present noticeable changes in temperature and moisture, many organisms may adapt to climate change by migrating to higher elevations. Bumble bees, whi
A microsatellite linkage map for <i>Drosophila montana</i> shows large variation in recombination rates, and a courtship song trait maps to an area of low recombination
A study of correlational selection through floral manipulations of <i></i>Polemonium foliosissimum<i></i> (Polemoniaceae)
Patterns of natural avalanche activity associated with new snow water equivalence and upper atmospheric wind direction and speed in the mountains surrounding Gothic, Colorado
Snowfall, temperature and wind are three factors that quickly change avalanche conditions. Ridge-top winds have been used to assess avalanche conditions with mixed success due to high variability. Few analyses have tested the effect upper atmospheric winds have on avalanche conditions. This study at
Dichotomous key to the members of the onagraceae family found in the gothic area
Protection at a price? Ant interactions with pollinators on aspen sunflower (<i>Helianthella quinquenervis</i>)
Effects of Native and Non-native Predators on Aquatic Communities
Predators impact the ecosystem in a top-down manner; however, we are not sure how non-native predators differ from native ones. In Colorado beaver ponds, non-native trout can change aquatic communities by preying on macroinvertebrates and excluding the native predator, tiger salamanders. Beaver pond
Effects of Climate Variation and Nesting Traits on Sex Ratios of Adult Solitary Bees
In the face of environmental change, including climate change, many organisms’ biological and ecological processes are being altered. Adult sex ratios are directly related to an organisms’ reproductive success and long-term viability. Understanding what influences sex ratios in the face of these cha
Morph and Sex differences in prey selectivity of tiger salamanders (<i> Ambystoma mavortium nebulosum </i>)
The tiger salamander is the top predator of the benthic invertebrate in the ponds at the Mexican Cut Nature Preserve, and hence, one of the main influential factors on the benthic invertebrate community structure. Recent phenomena observed at the MCP, like earlier snowmelt dates of some of the ponds
Biodiversity in marmots
The spatial variation of leaf traits in <i> Ipomopsis </i> according to soil moisture and snow depth
This study analyzed how soil moisture and snow depth correlates with leaf traits of Ipomopsis aggregata across and within populations in the Crested Butte and Gothic, Colorado area. Earlier snowmelt due to global warming is lessening soil moisture in early summer in the Rocky Mountains and potential