Biology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-11-2022

Abstract

Climate change in the American Southwest is altering the composition of species assemblages. However, the resulting patterns in mean trait values and functional diversity are poorly understood. Bees assemblages in Southwestern drylands are exceptionally diverse, and vary greatly in their morphologic traits. In this study we focused on two questions: Have community-weighted mean trait values shifted over time and/or with aridity, consistent with the hypothesis that aridification is driving bee assemblage change? Has the functional diversity of the Sevilleta bee assemblage declined over time and/or with aridity, consistent with the hypothesis that pollination services could be declining? To address these questions, we utilized 16 years of abundance data for 33 focal bee species at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (NM, USA), combined with measurements of a suite of morphological traits. Our results show that changes in aridity are associated with changes in the functional composition of a hyperdiverse bee assemblage.

Language

English

Keywords

Bees, Sevilleta, Functional Diversity, Aridity, Traits, Community-Weighted Mean

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Biology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Biology Department

First Committee Member (Chair)

Kenneth Whitney

Second Committee Member

Scott Collins

Third Committee Member

Vince Martinson

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