Ground-dwelling arthropods, primarily predators and detritivores, form a large part of the energy flow through ecosystems, but there are few long-term studies looking at many taxa. These animals have been monitored at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in central New Mexico, a Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site since 1990. We report on patterns in relative abundance from 2 study sites: desert grassland and creosotebush shrubland. Arthropods were collected in pitfall traps, operated year-round and collected every 2 months.

Oviposition site preference and larval performance
of the aspen leaf miner (Phyllocnistis populiella)

Russell Dennis, Patricia Doak, and Diane Wagner

University of Alaska, Department of Biology and Wildlife, Fairbanks AK 99775 (email: ftred@uaf.edu)

Wildlife face ever-increasing threats from emerging pathogens, many that also cause disease in humans. Genetic diversity plays a central role in buffering populations against the effects of parasites and pathogens. The ability to isolate genes related directly to disease susceptibility and understanding how those genes evolve is important for designing successful and cost-effective conservation programs. We are investigating the relationship between diversity in six immune system genes and the parasite community of black-tailed prairie dogs.

Nitrate deposition in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is increasing worldwide as a result of human activities. Between 1984 and 1996, deposition of inorganic nitrogen in Colorado’s Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological research site doubled. Previous research suggests that small streams are the most effective sites for nitrate processing and retention; however, the role of alpine lakes has not been adequately examined.

The known biodiversity of tardigrades in North America is limited. Less than one-fourth of the known tardigrade species have been recorded in the United States. As part of the NSF-Biotic Surveys and Inventory and Research at Undergraduate Institutions programs we are attempting to expand the known biodiversity of North American Tardigrades by sampling 23 of America’s LTER sites. This work is a collaborative effort between Fresno City College, Baker University, Brigham Young University and the Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia.  

Molecular Identification of Nematode Gut Contents 

Quinn D. Martin, Byron J. Adams

Relative environmental simplicity in the McMurdo Dry Valleys provides an ideal environment for furthering studies of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Establishing species richness in the Dry Valleys is key to drawing conclusions about this relationship. Antarctic nematode diversity is generally considered to include five main species, only one of which belongs to the genus Eudorylaimus. However, preliminary data suggests the existence of multiple Eudorylaimus species.

 Nematodes are known to play important roles in ecosystem functioning, however their specific roles may vary across different taxonomic levels. Correct identification of nematode species is necessary when analyzing their diversity in order to effectively assign their functional role(s). Several different nematode genera are known to inhabit the dry valleys of the McMurdo LTER, but the ecological roles of each of these taxa is still a mystery. One genus of particular interest is Plectus. The taxonomic diversity of these Antarctic inhabitants is currently in flux.

While the study of the phylum Tardigrada has increased greatly in recent years, this research has been hampered by difficulties in obtaining reliable DNA sequence. For example, some researchers still rely solely on morphological identifications to proclaim new species, when DNA sequence would tell a different story. This poster will describe new oligonucleotides, thermal cycler parameters, DNA extraction techniques, and PCR cleanup steps designed to deal with this problem for sequencing single specimens.

Understanding how biotic and abiotic factors combine to affect species interactions is an important challenge in ecology. Because the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on species interactions are often studied separately, it can be difficult to predict potential non-linear and indirect interactions among factors. We manipulated three key biotic and abiotic factors (temperature, food quality, predation) in field experiments in continental grassland using a plant – grasshopper – spider food chain.