Phenotypic plasticity and specialization along an altitudinal gradient in Trifolium repens

Effects of altitude and temperature on organ phenotypic plasticity along an altitudinal gradient.

Small mammals living in high-altitude environments must endure decreased ambient temperatures and hypoxic conditions relative to sea-level environments. Previously, it was noted that heart, lung and digestive tract masses and blood hematocrit increase along an altitudinal gradient in small mammals. Increases in digestive organ mass were attributed to lower ambient temperatures and greater food ...

Phenotypic Variation Inmorus Alba L. along Altitudinal Gradient

Causes of variation in biotic interaction strength and phenotypic selection along an altitudinal gradient.

Understanding the causes of variation in biotic interaction strength and phenotypic selection remains one of the outstanding goals of evolutionary ecology. Here we examine the variation in strength of interactions between two seed predators, common crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and European red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), and mountain pine (Pinus uncinata) at and below tree limit in the Pyre...

Transcriptomic variation and plasticity in rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) along an altitudinal gradient.

As modern genomic tools are developed for ecologically compelling models, field manipulation experiments will become important for establishing the role of functional genomic variation in physiological acclimation and evolutionary adaptation along environmental clines. High-altitude habitats expose individuals to hypoxic and thermal stress, necessitating physiological acclimation, which may res...

Leaf litter decomposition and microarthropod abundance along an altitudinal gradient

Mass loss rates of three types of leaf litter were measured along an altitudinal gradient at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Macon County, North Carolina. Litterbags containing air dried litter from Quercus prinus L., Liriodendron tulipifera L., and Rhododendron maximum L. were placed in five plots along the gradient and sampled monthly. Microarthropods were extracted and sorted, and litter ...