Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

03 Oct, 12 PM - 05 Oct, 12 AM

Due to increases in airborne nitrogen pollution, excess nitrogen deposition has been affecting soil biogeochemical processes and plant community composition across the West. A number of studies have been conducted in forested systems and arid systems near urban centers; however, these investigations typically end with soil and plant tissue analysis. This study will build upon the work performed by Allen et al. 2009 and Rao et al. 2009, whose efforts revealed an atmospheric nitrogen deposition gradient from the San Bernardino Mountains through Joshua Tree National Park. I propose to bridge the gap between the effects of increased nitrogen on plants and harvester ants by examining stable isotope ratios in seeds and ants along the deposition gradient in the Sonoran Desert. Harvester ant community response to seeds produced by plants along the gradient will then be investigated through ant nest density surveys and seed preference measurements. Study Objectives, Questions, and Predictions This project will examine the response of Messor pergandei to the effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition in Joshua Tree National Park and surrounding desert in California. We will measure harvester ant nest densities and seed preferences along an established atmospheric nitrogen deposition gradient in the region.

Visit #26330 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 21948 | Research

Mojave Desert Harvester Ant Response to Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition

graduate_student - University of Idaho

Reservation Members(s)

Benjamin Wissinger Oct 3 - 5, 2011 (3 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Mayhew housing facilities 1 Oct 3 - 5, 2011