Unexpected spatial population ecology of a widespread terrestrial salamander near its southern range edge

Spatial variation in water loss predicts terrestrial 1 salamander distribution and population dynamics

25 Many patterns observed in ecology, such as species richness, life history variation, 26 habitat use, and distribution have physiological underpinnings For many ectothermic 27 organisms temperature relations shape these patterns, but for terrestrial amphibians, 28 water balance may supersede temperature as the most critical physiologically-limiting 29 factor. Many amphibian species have littl...

High thermal tolerance of a rainbow trout population near its southern range limit suggests local thermal adjustment

Transformation of earth's ecosystems by anthropogenic climate change is predicted for the 21st century. In many regions, the associated increase in environmental temperatures and reduced precipitation will have direct effects on the physiological performance of terrestrial and aquatic ectotherms and have already threatened fish biodiversity and important fisheries. The threat of elevated enviro...

Fractal Population Ecology Theory

Abstract Purpose - The aim of this paper is to describe the population ecology theory through fractal thinking, an emergent human operating system that is creative, adaptive, healthy, and evolutionary; furthermore, a parallel is drawn between the population ecology model and the fractal structure. Top-down hierarchies are typically characterized by command and control systems of the authority t...

Trophic polymorphism in a terrestrial salamander

Question: Does habitat heterogeneity promote trophic polymorphism in a terrestrial salamander? Hypothesis: Eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) in upland and lowland habitats differ morphologically because their prey’s size differs between those habitats. Field site: Five mature hardwood forests in central New York and northern Pennsylvania, USA, with known differences in diet be...

Institute of Terrestrial Ecology CRYOPRESERVATION