The slow-fast continuum is known to structure variation in life-history strategies across species. Within populations, it is also assumed to structure individual life histories, yet evidence of its existence remains unclear. We formally assessed the presence of a slow-fast continuum of life historie

In this study, we performed several transect surveys over the course of the 2021 summer field season to assess potential ecogeographical range determinants for Lewis flax ( Linum lewisii ) and its pathogen, flax rust ( Melamspora lini ), in the area surrounding the Rocky Mountain Biological Laborato

Many plants have evolved nutrient rewards to attract pollinators to flowers, but most research has focused on the sugar content of floral nectar resources. Concentrations of sodium in floral nectar (a micronutrient in low concentrations in nectar) can vary substantially both among and within co-occu

In ecological speciation, incipient species diverge due to natural selection that is ecologically based. In flowering plants, different pollinators could mediate that selection (pollinator-mediated divergent selection) or other features of the environment that differ between habitats of two species

Reproductive timing is an important determinant of offspring success which ultimately contributes to an individual’s overall fitness. In seasonal environments with short growing seasons, organisms must time reproductive activity so that offspring experience relatively high levels of resource abundan

In the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, changes in the availability of floral resources through the growing season may affect the ability of bumble bee colonies to successfully complete their life cycle and produce reproductive individuals in the season’s end. A way bees could potentially deal with this

As global climate changes ephemeral freshwater systems face changes in historical hydroperiod with a shift towards shorter wet periods. Vernal ponds are one such type of lentic ephemeral system; in general they are relatively small and shallow, which causes them to dry in late spring or early summer

Because phenology and climate are linked, studying the consequences of shifting phenology can help scientists understand the systems that make up current climates and construct future ones. In the Rocky Mountains, climate change has led to earlier snowmelt, an event that triggers the start of the gr

As there is an increase in greenhouse gasses, it is causing direct and indirect changes in plant interactions with herbivory and fungal pathogens. By imitating the increase in climate change through temperature, it is possible to observe the indirect effect it has on herbivory/fungal pathogens on th

Pollinator-mediated selection cannot explain why flower colour polymorphisms exist in self-pollinating plants. There is a tight link between plant stress response and anthocyanin pigment production, which means that abiotic stress, such as UV radiation or drought, and biotic stress, such as herbivor

Innovation is widespread in animals and may help them modify their behavior to changes in the environment. A common method to determine whether a species possesses innovative abilities is to present them with a novel foraging problem and then to explain the traits that may predict success. Individua

Currently, due to global warming, we are seeing large range shifts in many different species across the world. As these species shift they are encountering new species and new environments. The way that a species interacts with these new species and environments will determine its ability to expand

Competition for carcass resources can be fierce with a broad range of taxa vying for control of the nutrient rich resource. Arthropod competition for carcasses is well studied. Flies, beetles, and ants are common carcass utilizers. The burying beetle (Nicrophorus spp). is an obligate carrion breeder

Reproductive success in passerines is dependent upon the fitness of the parents. Knowledge of how life history traits affect fitness is required to understand fitness and nest cycle relations. There was no significance between body mass and wing length and morning off bout frequency found. Blood par

Associatively learning is commonly observed throughout the natural world in many interactions between species and their environment. We know ants utilize environmental cues in their foraging patterns to locate and recruit to food, but little is known about their ability to associatively learn to for

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Dennis Darrow. The Pueblo Chieftain.

Dorothy Bergstrom. Pacific Northwest Station

University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension