Understanding the dynamic interactions between aquatic invertebrates is critical in forming an accurate illustration of mountain stream ecology. Aquatic detritivores, such as A. Nigriculus, form the majority of the biomass in mountain ponds and rivers around Colorado, as they are usually the primary

Voltinism, the number of generations produced per year, is under both genetic and environmental control in insects. The rapid temperature increases associated with climate change could distort the information insects are obtaining from environmental cues and possibly alter the number of generations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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