Ants are shifting to new habitats to cope with climate change
A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) found that climate change has forced some ant species in Gregory Canyon near Boulder, Colorado, to exceed their usual limitations over the past six decades.
This change, which causes ants to leave their original habitats because they cannot withstand the heat and cold, leads to a major change in biodiversity that can have significant effects on local ecosystems.
A useful indicator of climate change
Pants are ectothermic organisms whose metabolism and other vital functions depend on temperature and are particularly affected by climate change. These characteristics make ants an important indicator for studying the ecosystem's response to temperature.
The foundation of this research was laid more than sixty years ago by entomologist Robert Gregg and his student John Brown at the University of Colorado Boulder. Proud of her pioneering work, director Anna Paraskevopoulos and her research team embarked on a mission to investigate how the ant community in Gregory Canyon has changed since then.
Despite the effects of climate change
Despite
Despite the expansion of the city of Boulder, Gregory Canyon remained unaffected, providing a unique window into isolation from climate change.
—This gives us the opportunity to study the effects of climate change. In many other studies, the effects of land use and climate change are often intertwined. " said Paraskevopoulos.
Changes in the ant population
Scientists
Scientists discovered changes in the ant population and noted that some species not previously recorded in the forest expanded, becoming the priority of other species. In contrast, the distribution of some species collected by Brown and Gregg decreased or disappeared completely.
>—We found that in rivers with different environments and habitats, the composition of ants was similar,” said senior author Julian Resasco, an expert in ecology and evolutionary biology. (Julian Resasco) said. University of Colorado Boulder.
Ants and Ecosystem Stability
The importance of ants as important ecosystem engineers cannot be ignored. They play an important role in aerating the soil, accelerating the decomposition process and dispersing seeds. Many ant species contribute to ecosystems and influence many ecological processes.
Observed changes in pest biodiversity in Gregory Canyon raise questions about the broader impacts of these changes. "If there is only a single ant species in an ecosystem, this could mean that the animal only contributes to ecosystem function in a way that reduces the stability of the ecosystem," Paraskevopoulos said. he explained.
Insect Populations
The study adds to growing evidence of declines in insect populations globally, a phenomenon many scientists have dubbed the "insect apocalypse." It highlights the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the processes driving changes in insect populations and their impacts on ecosystem functioning.
—Species change where they occur in response to climate change. Some spread and become winners, some collapse and become losers. This study helps us understand how these communities are changing, which can affect ecosystem functioning. ” Resasco concluded.
Pants as a climate change safety indicator
The reason why ants have become a climate change indicator is their sensitivity to environmental changes that lead to their behavior, distribution and social functions of the climate. Results measure change. Here's how ants respond to climate change:
Heat stress
Pants are ectotherms, meaning they rely on the temperature of the outside air to control their body temperature. Changes in temperature and humidity can directly affect their survival, behavior, reproduction and distribution. For example, temperatures can cause changes in the distribution of ants; Some species may move to higher altitudes or latitudes to find suitable conditions.
Many ecological roles
Pants play many important roles in ecosystems, such as soil aeration, seed dispersal, and hunting. Climate change may change these roles and affect a wider area. For example, changes in rainfall patterns can affect the spread of pathogens that affect plant communities.
Community composition
Climate change may lead to changes in caterpillar communities and diversity. Some species will thrive in new conditions, while others will decline or disappear, causing the interaction of species to change. Monitoring these changes can provide insight into the local and broader impacts of climate change.
Symbiotic Relationships
Pants form symbiotic relationships with plants and other insects such as aphids. Climate change can disrupt these relationships by altering the phenology (timing of biological events) of the species involved, affecting ecosystem health and activity studies.
Scientists can better understand ant populations and communities by studying changes in them. Effects of climate change on ecosystems. This information can inform conservation strategies and help predict future changes in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
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