Effects of sea-level rise on physiological ecology of populations of a ground-dwelling ant.

摘要: Introduction Sea-level rise is a consequence of climate change that can impact the ecological and physiological changes coastal, ground-dwelling species. has potential to inundate birds, rodents, spiders, insects live on ground in coastal areas. Yet, there still much be learned concerning specifics these impacts. The red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta (Buren) excavates soil for its home capable surviving flooding. Because their life history rapid reproduction, ants make an ideal model discovery prediction may due sea-level rise. There are up 500,000 individuals colony, invasive naturally have painful sting. However, observations suggest colonies dwell tidally-influenced areas more aggressive with frequent stings venom injected per sting (behavioral changes) than those located inland. This adaption Therefore, objective this study elucidate differences inland defensiveness via micro-dissection comparison head width, length, stinger sac volume. But first because ants' ability raft brackish tidal water unknown, it had determined if could indeed examine behavior between flooded freshwater vs. saltwater. Methods To test coastal-aggression hypothesis, colonies, which experience relatively greater amounts flooding, specifically regular windblown oscillations (i.e. El Nino Southern Oscillation) from Gulf Mexico, were collected. mimic rise, salinities correspond both collection site conditions found variety locales situations (such as storm surge tropical storm). Individual immediately taken each colony dissection before 1-hour into 24-hours Results discussion Fire use defend themselves communicate alarm or aggression. Dissections measurement heads, sacs, stingers revealed increase volume after 24 hours; fact increased by 75% h flooding Whether enlargement diffusion production unknown. These exhibit behavioral adaptations ongoing possibly indicating they responding will high-salinity water; cause severe