Climate and vegetation structure shape ant communities along elevational gradients on the Colorado Plateau

• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6538
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07T08:20:20Z
• Authors: Derek A. Uhey; Richard W. Hofste...; Michael Remke; Sneha Vissa; Karen A. Haubensak
• Keywords: Vegetation types

Abstract Terrestrial animal communities are largely shaped by vegetation and climate. With climate also shaping vegetation, can we attribute patterns solely to climate? Our study observes ant community changes along climatic gradients (i.e., elevational gradients) within different habitat types open forest) on the Colorado Plateau in southwestern United States. We sampled ants two spanning 1,132 m with average annual temperature precipitation differences of 5.7°C 645mm, respectively. used regression analyses structural equation modeling compare explanatory powers effect sizes variables ants. Climate had strongest correlations largest communities, while composition, richness, primary productivity relatively small effects. Precipitation was predictor for most metrics. Ant richness abundance a negative relationship forested habitats, positive habitats. results show strong direct effects little or no composition productivity, but contrasting between type vs. open) precipitation. This indicates structure modulate responses communities. demonstrates climate‐animal relationships may vary among which impact both findings from studies how will react