Olfactory predator discrimination in yellow-bellied marmots - Daniel T. Blumstein; L. Barrow; M. Luterra; M. Luterra (Ethology, 2008)
AbstractThe mechanism underlying olfactory predator identification may be relatively experience‐independent, or it may rely on specific experience with predators. A mechanism by which prey might identify novel predators relies on the inevitable creation of sulfurous metabolites that are then excreted in the urine of carnivorous mammals. We tested whether free‐living, yellow‐bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) and mid‐sized herbivores that fall prey to a variety of carnivorous mammals could discriminate herbivore (elk—Cervus elephas) urine from predator (red fox—Vulpes vulpes, coyote—Canis latrans, mountain lion—Felis concolor, wolf—Canis lupus) urine, a novel herbivore (moose—Alces alces), and a distilled water control. We further asked how specific this assessment was by testing whether marmots responded differently to predators representing different levels of risk and to familiar vs. unfamiliar predators. We found that marmots responded more to urine from coyotes (a familiar predator on adults), mountain lions (a potentially unfamiliar predator that could kill adults) and wolves (a locally extinct predator that could kill adults) than to elk urine (a non‐predator). Red fox (a predator that poses a risk only to recently emerged marmot pups) urine elicited a less substantial (but not significantly so) response than coyote urine. Marmots can identify predators, even novel ones, using olfactory cues, suggesting that experience with a specific predator is not required to identify potential threats.

Spatiotemporal variation in survival of male yellow-bellied marmots - N. Borrego; A. Ozgul; Kenneth B. Armitage; Daniel T. Blumstein; M. K. Oli (Journal of Mammalogy, 2008)
Variation in vital demographic (e.g., survival) rates of males can influence population dynamics, but the male segment of the population is frequently ignored in ecological studies of mammals. Using a multistate capturemark-recapture model and 44 years of data from 17 habitat patches, we investigated spatial and temporal variation in age-specific survival rates of male yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) in Colorado. We hypothesized that apparent survival rate of juvenile males would show the greatest spatial and temporal variation as younger animals are more susceptible to extrinsic environmental factors, survival of yearling males would vary over space because of documented spatial variation in dispersal patterns, and survival of adults would be less variable than that of juveniles or yearlings and would vary over space because of demonstrated spatial variation in site quality. Our results revealed that, as predicted, the survival of juveniles varied over time and among sites, whereas that of yearlings varied among sites but not over time. The survival of adults did not vary significantly over time or among sites. We also examined the effects of several intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors on spatial and temporal variation in survival rates. Our results suggest that male marmots of different ages respond differentially to temporal and spatial variation in environmental factors.

Bottom-up effects of nutrient enrichment on plants, pollinators, and their interactions - L. A. Burkle (2008)
Nutrients play fundamental roles in biological systems, affecting plant growth and

Long-term effects of mining on the benthic macroinvertebrate community of a stream in Paradise Basin - C. Cloyed; K. Jarecke; D. Winkler (2008)

Predator effects on prey population dynamics in open systems - B. L. Peckarsky; B. L. Kerans; A. R. McIntosh; B. W. Taylor (Oecologia, 2008)
It is concluded that predation alone cannot explain variation in population dynamics of either mayfly species; and the relative importance of predation is species- and environment-specific compared to non-predatory losses, such as other agents of mortality and non-consumptive effects of predators.

Phylogeny and patterns of energy conservation in marmots - Kenneth B. Armitage (Molecules to Migration: The Pressures of Life, 2008)

Trapping the litter: a negative feedback of climate change in the litter quality of montane vegetation in the Rocky Mountains - D. Winkler; C. Cloyed; K. Jarecke; C. Jessee (2008)

A montane study of ecological stoichiometry in six ant species - K. Jarecke; D. Winkler; C. Cloyed (2008)

Pollen limitation and cleistogamy in subalpine Viola praemorsa - Jessica R. K. Forrest; J. D. Thomson (Botany, 2008)
Early-flowering species may be especially susceptible to occasional pollen limitation and, therefore, may benefit from a mixed-mating strategy that provides reproductive assurance. We studied cleistogamous (CL) and chasmogamous (CH) fruit set of spring-flowering Viola praemorsa Dougl. ex Lindl. along an elevational gradient in the Rocky Mountains, testing whether pollen limitation or allocation to CL reproduction covaried with timing of flowering onset, within and across sites. Contrary to predictions, we found no pollen limitation of reproduction at any site, and variation among sites in the pattern of allocation to cleistogamy was not related to growing season length. Differences in reproductive strategy between early- and late-flowering plants within sites were attributable to differences in plant size, with relative allocation to cleistogamy increasing with size. This pattern has been found in some other cleistogamous species, and may indicate a cost of large CH floral displays, perhaps associated with geitonogamy or herbivory. We found no experimental evidence for resource reallocation in response to CH reproductive output, although a weak negative relationship between CH and CL fruit set across a larger sample of unmanipulated plants suggests such a trade-off. The significance of cleistogamy may be clarified by studying how pollinator visitation, self-pollination, and herbivore damage vary temporally and with floral display size.

Longevity can buffer plant and animal populations against changing climatic uncertainty. - William Morris; C. A. Pfister; S. Tuljapurkar; C. V. Haridas; C. L. Boggs; M. S. Boyce; E. M. Bruna; D. R. Church; T. Coulson; D. F. Doak; S. Forsyth; Gaillard J-M; et al. (Ecology, 2008)

Evaluation of the field impact of an adventitious herbivore on an invasive plant, yellow toadflax, in CO, USA - F. Egan J; R. E. Irwin (Plant Ecology, 2008)
The effects of an accidentally introduced beetle Brachypterolus pulicarius on the growth and reproduction of its host, the invasive plant Linaria vulgaris, growing under field conditions across multiple years and sites in western Colorado, USA are studied.

Pollinator-mediate selection in Ipomopsis aggregata: does correlational selection explain floral phenotypes? - C. E. Addis (2008)
The theory of pollination syndromes is pervasive in pollination biology. Correlational selection may explain why certain flower phenotypes are selected for by certain pollinators thereby offering support for the theory of pollinations syndromes. Using potted individuals of the hummingbird-pollinated alpine wildflower Ipomopsis aggregata, we manipulated three floral traits (flower color, size of the nectar reward, and floral orifice shape) to generate a total of eight character combinations. Plants were set up in an artificial array in the field and pollinator visitation was observed. No significant interactions between trait combinations on the mean visitation rate per treatment per hour were found for the experiments as a whole. However, when data were analyzed separately by hour, there was a significant interaction between color and petal shape seen during the second observation hour, which affected mean visitation rate. Further experimental investigation of only two traits (size of the nectar reward and floral orifice shape) revealed a significant effect of nectar on mean visitation rate also during the second hour of observation. Our results do not provide consistent support for correlational selection.

Effect of a reduction in mountain stream flow on the diversity and quantity of benthic macroinvertebrates and the abundance of algae - N. A. Gipson (2008)
The process of manually diverting water from stream channels for agricultural purposes, industrial uses, and other reasons is practiced universally worldwide. These diversions of water are primarily characterized by a reduction in total flow within the stream. This study examines the response of benthic algae and macroinvertebrates to an environment where total flow has been reduced by over 80% in four mountain streams in Gothic, Colorado. The effects on macroinvertebrate abundance, richness and diversity were measured as well as algal abundance. Results indicate that macroinverterbrate abundance and richness are negatively impacted, and algal abundance in positively impacted, by a reduction in stream flow. While this was a small- scaled study, it is clear that humans need to better understand the impact that our careless water use has on stream ecosystems.

On the spatial distribution and abundance of herbaceous plants in aspen and conifer forest understories: a test of neutral/statistical versus niche-based theories? - J. A. Godinez (2008)
The purpose of this study is to test several macroecological statistical theories in the sub- alpine environment. Statistical theories are based on purely statistical assumptions, and these predictions were tested against measured values for macroecological metrics including the species-abundance distribution, the species-area relationship, and the collector’s curve. In order to test the theories, it was necessary to calculate these macroecological metrics from raw plant data. The plant data consisted of mostly plant census, along with slope, aspect, canopy, soil temperature, and soil moisture. From the plant census data, the graphs of collector’s curve, species-area relationship and species- abundance distribution were analyzed using these measured values and the predicted values from the maximum entropy theory. With almost exact certainty, the maximum entropy theory predictions held true for what was observed in nature.

Lifetime fitness in two generations of Ipomopsis hybrids - Diane R. Campbell; Nickolas M. Waser; George Aldridge; C. A. Wu (Evolution, 2008)

The effect of the Grand Ditch on the abundance of benthic invertebrates in the Colorado River, Rocky Mountain National Park - Jordan A. Clayton; Cherie J. Westbrook (River Research and Applications, 2008)
AbstractWe investigate herein the hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between bed particle mobility and benthic invertebrate abundance in the gravel‐bed channel of the upper Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park. A large diversion channel called the Grand Ditch normally diverts a significant portion (∼50%) of the annual snowmelt runoff from the watershed northward out of the basin. In May 2003, a ∼30‐m section of the ditch was breached, contributing substantially to the magnitude and duration of discharge in the Colorado River until the ditch breach was repaired in July of that year. As a result, all grain sizes in the river channel were mobilized, which contrasted sharply with the minimal gravel transport experienced during the exceptional drought of the previous year. Benthic macroinvertebrates were collected in the field using a Surber sampler at the same six locations for both years, and the number of individuals of the orders ephemeroptera (mayflies), plecoptera (stoneflies), trichoptera (caddisflies) and diptera (e.g. chironomids) was counted in the laboratory. The total number of individuals was 240% higher in 2003, and the proportion of mayflies in the samples increased from 25% in 2002 to 40% in 2003. In 2003, samples were also taken immediately upstream and downstream of a large flow obstruction in the channel in order to further isolate the relative importance of sediment transport against other variables affecting the stream habitat. Numbers of individuals for all taxa collected (particularly ephemeroptera and plecoptera) were nearly an order of magnitude higher at the upstream site than at the downstream, protected location. These results have important implications for the ecosystem management of streams within Rocky Mountain National Park and elsewhere. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of climate change on phenology, frost damage, and floral abundance of montane wildflowers - David W. Inouye (Ecology, 2008)
The timing of life history traits is central to lifetime fitness and nowhere is this more evident or well studied as in the phenology of flowering in governing plant reproductive success. Recent changes in the timing of environmental events attributable to climate change, such as the date of snowmelt at high altitudes, which initiates the growing season, have had important repercussions for some common perennial herbaceous wildflower species. The phenology of flowering at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (Colorado, USA) is strongly influenced by date of snowmelt, which makes this site ideal for examining phenological responses to climate change. Flower buds of Delphinium barbeyi, Erigeron speciosus, and Helianthella quinquenervis are sensitive to frost, and the earlier beginning of the growing season in recent years has exposed them to more frequent mid-June frost kills. From 1992 to 1998, on average 36.1% of Helianthella buds were frosted, but for 1999–2006 the mean is 73.9%; in only one year since 1998 have plants escaped all frost damage. For all three of these perennial species, there is a significant relationship between the date of snowmelt and the abundance of flowering that summer. Greater snowpack results in later snowmelt, later beginning of the growing season, and less frost mortality of buds. Microhabitat differences in snow accumulation, snowmelt patterns, and cold air drainage during frost events can be significant; an elevation difference of only 12 m between two plots resulted in a temperature difference of almost 2°C in 2006 and a difference of 37% in frost damage to buds. The loss of flowers and therefore seeds can reduce recruitment in these plant populations, and affect pollinators, herbivores, and seed predators that previously relied on them. Other plant species in this environment are similarly susceptible to frost damage so the negative effects for recruitment and for consumers dependent on flowers and seeds could be widespread. These findings point out the paradox of increased frost damage in the face of global warming, provide important insights into the adaptive significance of phenology, and have general implications for flowering plants throughout the region and anywhere climate change is having similar impacts.

Pollinator shifts and the origin and loss of plant species - Diane R. Campbell (Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 2008)

Characterization and 3D reservoir modelling of fluvial sandstones of the Williams Fork Formation, Rulison Field, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA - Matthew J. Pranter; Marielis F Vargas; Thomas L Davis (Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 2008)
This study describes the stratigraphic characteristics and distribution of fluvial deposits of the Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation in a portion of Rulison Field and addresses 3D geologic modelling of reservoir sand bodies and their associated connectivity. Fluvial deposits include isolated and stacked point-bar deposits, crevasse splays and overbank (floodplain) mudrock. Within the Williams Fork Formation, the distribution and connectivity of fluvial sandstones significantly impact reservoir productivity and ultimate recovery. The reservoir sandstones are primarily fluvial point-bar deposits interbedded with shales and coals. Because of the lenticular geometry and limited lateral extent of the reservoir sandstones (common apparent widths of 500-1000 ft; 150-300 m), relatively high well densities (e.g. 10 acre (660 ft; 200 m) spacing) are often required to deplete the reservoir. Heterogeneity of these fluvial deposits includes larger scale stratigraphic variability associated with vertical stacking patterns and structural heterogeneities associated with faults that exhibit lateral and reverse offsets. The discontinuous character of the fluvial sandstones and lack of distinct marker beds in the middle and upper parts of the Williams Fork Formation make correlation between wells tenuous, even at a 10 acre well spacing. Some intervals of thicker and amalgamated sandstones within the middle and upper Williams Fork Formation can be correlated across greater distances. To aid correlation and for 3D reservoir modelling, vertical lithology proportion curves were used to estimate stratigraphic trends and define the stratigraphic zonation within the reservoir interval. Object-based and indicator-based modelling methods have been applied to the same data and results from the models were compared. Results from the 3D modelling indicate that sandstone connectivity increases with net-to-gross ratio and, at lower net-to-gross ratios (<30%), differences exist in the cumulative volume of connected sandstone bodies between the indicator-and object-based lithology models. Therefore, the types of lithology-modelling methods used for lower net-to-gross ratio reservoir intervals are important.

The structure, meaning and function of yellow-bellied marmot pup screams - Daniel T. Blumstein; David A. Richardson; L. Cooley; J. C. Winternitz; J. C. Daniel (Animal Behaviour, 2008)
An examination of nonlinearities in vocalizations of other species suggests that non linearities may be an honest indicator of arousal, and this honesty elicits heightened responses in receivers.

The Nonnative Iowa Darter (Etheostoma exile) Established in the Yampa River, Colorado, and Green River, Utah - Cameron D. Walford; Kevin R. Bestgen (The Southwestern Naturalist, 2008)
The Iowa darter (Etheostoma exile) was first captured in Little Yampa Canyon, Yampa River, Colorado, by electrofishing in autumn 2003, and abundance of this nonnative species increased during 2004–2007. The Iowa darter also expanded downstream 229 river km, based on captures of young fish in a drift net at the confluence of the Yampa and Green rivers in 2005, and in light traps in the Green River near Jensen, Utah, in 2005–2007. Likely introduction of the Iowa darter via bait-bucket transfer suggests that additional legal deterrents might be needed to reduce further illicit introductions of potentially problematic nonnative fishes in the Colorado River Basin.

Rocky Mountain Bombus pathogen survey: Are invasive plants affecting pathogen prevalence and intensity? - R. K. Diaz (2008)
Parasites have the potential to alter population dynamics by decreasing fitness and increasing mortality of their hosts. Changes in ecosystems may also create scenarios that are more conducive to higher infection or parasitism. This survey examined parasitism of Bombus by Crithidia bombi, Nosema bombi, Apicystis bombi, Phorid parasitoids, Conopid parasitoids, and tracheal mites in the region surrounding the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gunnison County, CO, USA. This study was run over an elevational gradient, and Bombus workers were collected over a 5 week period. Moreover, I examined if the presence or absence of the invasive flowering plant Linaria vulgaris was associated with pathogen intensity. This manuscript presents the results of my preliminary data. The presence of Linaria vulgaris had no relationship with pathogen intensity. Moreover, pathogen intensity could not be predicted by the proportion of morphologically “closed” flowers (flowers whose corollas at not directly open to the sun), elevation, or Bombus species. However, trends were observed regarding time of year on pathogen load, showing a peak in A. bombi early in the season and a peak in N. bombi late in the season. In summation, Bombus in this region were parasitized by N. bombi (6% across all Bombus species), A. bombi (3.6% across all Bombus species), and Conopidae (3.6% across all Bombus species). Parasitism by C. bombi, and tracheal mites were less than 1% across all Bombus species and no Phoridae were observed.

Effects of water addition on below- and above-ground carbon processes across a montane elevational gradient - T. S. Potter (2008)
Local temperature increases and more frequent extreme rainfall events are predicted effects of climate change at high latitudes (IPCC 2007). Precipitation regimes are also shifting, but science is less able to predict these patterns (IPCC 2007). Water balance is critical as it ultimately drives primary production. Yet, there is a lack of understanding about the relative importance of how water influences carbon dynamics in plant communities (Hodkinson et al. 1999, Niu et al. 2007). To be able to use species- specific responses to anticipate the impacts of climate change in montane regions, it is necessary to know how both species and entire communities respond to climate change. We tested the hypothesis that water is a limiting factor for both decomposition of organic matter and for net carbon assimilation in montane and subalpine plant communities. For this study increased water supply resulted in only biologically significant increase in community carbon uptake as predicted and failed to affect soil respiration at the community level. A slight treatment effect of increased below-ground respiration in the watered plots was also shown, especially over time and for the two higher elevations. The ability of communities to act as carbon sinks depends in part on water availability. Thus, it is important that further studies explore carbon dynamics and 1 effects of moisture on plant communities for anticipating the impacts of changing precipitation regimes as an outcome of climate disruption.

Aspen heart rot fungus (Phellinus tremulae) distribution in aspen forests in relation to open meadows: implications for red-naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) nesting habitat - C. M. Stevens (2008)
Red-naped sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) are an integral part of the aspen (Populus tremuloides) ecosystem in the montane western U.S. They are a double keystone species, providing both shelter and nutrients to a variety of organisms within the system. Numerous studies have documented the importance of fungal infection in nest site selection by woodpecker species. Aspen heart rot fungus (Phellinus tremulae) is extremely important in nest site selection in red-naped sapsuckers. To gain an adequate understanding of the dynamics of the fungus and its influence on the cavity-nesting complex, this study aims to understand the relationship between fungal density and distance to open meadow. Stands of aspen within the vicinity of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, CO, USA were selected based on similar slopes and accessibility. Fifty transects ranging from 30m to 100m were run across elevational gradients from meadows into the interior of aspen stands. Number of trees, fungal presence, and sapsucker damage was recorded along each transect. Total fungal density and fungal density in trees >17cm DBH were negatively correlated with distance from edge(τ=- 0.1296, p=0.0073; τ=-0.1264, p=0.0095, respectively), suggesting an effect of edge on the occurrence of fungus. Possible causes of increased fungal density at edges include increased wind dispersal mediated by complex three dimensional flows within stands, as well as increased pruning and therefore open wounds, due to high velocity and common occurrence of wind at stand edges. Further studies need to be done on the dispersal dynamics of the fungus in order to gain a full understanding of it's complex effects on the aspen ecosystem.

The Papers of Foster Gunnison, Jr, and the Politics of Queer Preservation - C. McGraw (History Workshop Journal, 2008)
The reprocessing of the vast holdings of a legendary queer community archive to form part of the Foster Gunnison, Jr, Papers at the Dodd Research Center, University of Connecticut, offers an opportunity to consider how the interpretive allegiances of archive founders, donors and curators shape the historical narratives that can be told. The flurry of rumours that Gunnison's Institute of Social Ethics gay-rights collection had been damaged or destroyed after his death expressed these politics with particular potency. An example of the independent archives that arose to counter the exclusion of past queer lives from preservation in traditional repositories, the Institute of Social Ethics itself betrayed the impulse to judge only certain individuals and activist strands as legitimate subjects of post-World-War-Two movement history. Given that the collection's new organization at the University of Connecticut exposes both this impulse and its contestation by activists with diverse racial and gender identities as well as multiple trajectories and localities of activism, this essay concludes that the academy can provide an archival location for the successful retrieval of queer counter-histories.

Bridging the generation gap in plants: pollination, parental fecundity, and offspring demography - Mary V. Price; Diane R. Campbell; Nickolas M. Waser; Alison K. Brody (Ecology, 2008)
Despite extensive study of pollination and plant reproduction on the one hand, and of plant demography on the other, we know remarkably little about links between seed production in successive generations, and hence about long-term population consequences of variation in pollination success. We bridged this "generation gap" in Ipomopsis aggregata, a long-lived semelparous wildflower that is pollinator limited, by adding varying densities of seeds to natural populations and following resulting plants through their entire life histories. To determine whether pollen limitation of seed production constrains rate of population growth in this species, we sowed seeds into replicated plots at a density that mimics typical pollination success and spacing of flowering plants in nature, and at twice that density to mimic full pollination. Per capita offspring survival, flower production, and contribution to population increase (lambda) did not decline with sowing density in this experiment, suggesting that typical I. aggregata populations freed from pollen limitation will grow over the short term. In a second experiment we addressed whether density dependence would eventually erase the growth benefits of full pollination, by sowing a 10-fold range of seed densities that falls within extremes estimated for the natural "seed rain" that reaches the soil surface. Per capita survival to flowering and age at flowering were again unaffected by sowing density, but offspring size, per capita flower production, and lambda declined with density. Such density dependence complicates efforts to predict population dynamics over the longer term, because it changes components of the life history (in this case fecundity) as a population grows. A complete understanding of how constraints on seed production affect long-term population growth will hinge on following offspring fates at least through flowering of the first offspring generation, and doing so for a realistic range of population densities.

Effect of Soil Metals on Pollination of Subalpine Wildflowers - C. J. Little (2008)
Metals-rich soils can occur naturally or through human activity, such as mining. Plants growing in metal-rich soils often incorporate metals into their tissues; the concentration of these metals varies, and plants which concentrate the metals most strongly are termed hyperaccumulators. Accumulation of metals in plant tissues has mainly been studied in the context of phytoremediation. We examined the effects of metal-rich soils on natural systems surrounding mines in Gunnison County, Colorado. Some native plants growing on mine soils accumulated metals in their tissues compared to those growing on uncontaminated soils. In addition, plant communities growing on uncontaminated sites were more diverse than those growing on mine sites. Plants growing on mines were generally shorter and had fewer flowers compared to those from uncontaminated sites, including Lupinus argenteus, Thlaspi montanum, and Draba aurea. For D. aurea, pollination rates were lower at mine sites, which could be a result of changes in plant or pollinator community composition or of the shorter, less showy plants. This study provides evidence to suggest that mine sites may affect native plant pollination; however, more investigation must be done to understand the mechanisms of how soil metals affect pollination and subsequent plant fitness. Chelsea Little, 3

Phoretic mite discrimination among male burying beetle (Nicrophorus investigator) hosts - J. D. Grossman; R. J. Smith (Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 2008)

THE CONSTRUCTION AND INSTRUMENTATION OF A PILOT TREATMENT SYSTEM AT THE STANDARD MINE SUPERFUND SITE, CRESTED BUTTE, CO - David Reisman; Thomas Rutkowski; Pat Smart; James Gusek (Journal American Society of Mining and Reclamation, 2008)
Abstract: A pilot biochemical reactor (BCR) was designed and constructed to treat mine-influenced water emanating from an adit at a remote site in southern Colorado which receives an average of 400 inches (10.2 m) of snowfall each season. The objective of the study is to operate and monitor a BCR on a yearround basis in a harsh mountain environment. There are several unique attributes of the treatment and monitoring system. It has been constructed at an elevation of 11,000 ft a.m.s.l. (3353 m), and is designed to operate year-round. Since the site has limited winter accessibility due to snowfall, a remote monitoring system was designed to collect samples and field parameters throughout winter months. An automated sampling system powered by solar cells is used to sample the system influent and effluent on a weekly basis and an elaborate Teledyne ISCO ™ (ISCO) satellite monitoring system tracks data on an hourly basis with data being uploaded to a web site. Winter water samples will be gathered from the autosamplers in the spring and analyzed for metals. Fall influent and effluent water quality results from the treatment system are reviewed. These include field

From individuals to ecosystem function: toward an integration of evolutionary and ecosystem ecology - O. J. Schmitz; J. H. Grabowski; B. L. Peckarsky; E. L. Preisser; G. C. Trussell; J. R. Vonesh (Ecology, 2008)
An important goal in ecology is developing general theory on how the species composition of ecosystems is related to ecosystem properties and functions. Progress on this front is limited partly because of the need to identify mechanisms controlling functions that are common to a wide range of ecosystem types. We propose that one general mechanism, rooted in the evolutionary ecology of all species, is adaptive foraging behavior in response to predation risk. To support our claim, we present two kinds of empirical evidence from plant‐based and detritus‐based food chains of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The first kind comes from experiments that explicitly trace how adaptive foraging influences ecosystem properties and functions. The second kind comes from a synthesis of studies that individually examine complementary components of particular ecosystems that together provide an integrated perspective on the link between adaptive foraging and ecosystem function. We show that the indirect effects of predators on plant diversity, plant productivity, nutrient cycling, trophic transfer efficiencies, and energy flux caused by consumer foraging shifts in response to risk are qualitatively different from effects caused by reductions in prey density due to direct predation. We argue that a perspective of ecosystem function that considers effects of consumer behavior in response to predation risk will broaden our capacity to explain the range of outcomes and contingencies in trophic control of ecosystems. This perspective also provides an operational way to integrate evolutionary and ecosystem ecology, which is an important challenge in ecology.

Mechanisms of tolerance to floral larceny in two animal-pollinated wildflowers, Polemonium viscosum and Ipomopsis aggregata - R. E. Irwin; Candace Galen; J. J. Rabenold; R. Kaczorowski; M. L. McCutcheon (Ecology, 2008)

The importance of parasitism and body condition in explaining variation in anti-predator vigilance in the yellow bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) - H. E. Chmura (2008)

Do Pond Caddisflies Reap a Double Benefit from Detritus Processing? - E. J. Thornton (2008)

Record of decision : E Seam Methane Drainage Wells Project : federal coal lease C-1362, federal coal lease COC-56447, federal coal lease COC-67232 : Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, Paonia Ranger District, Gunnison County, Colorado : sections 17-19 and 32-34, Township 13 South Range 90 West and sections 1-5 and 8-10, Township 14 South, Range 90 West, 6th principal meridian / - Charles S. Richmond; United States. (2008)

Pilot study experiments sourcing quartzite, Gunnison Basin, Colorado - Bonnie L. Pitblado; Carol Dehler; Hector Neff; Stephen T. Nelson (Geoarchaeology, 2008)
AbstractThis paper reports the results of pilot‐study efforts to develop methods to profile quartzite, a rock type to which geochemical and other sourcing techniques have only rarely been applied. The long‐term goal of the research is to fingerprint sources of quartzite in the Gunnison Basin, southwest Colorado, used by Paleoindian people ca. 11,500–8,000 years ago to make stone tools. Success would facilitate reconstruction of Paleoindian mobility in the Southern Rocky Mountains and potentially anywhere prehistoric people used quartzite. The goals of this paper are more modest: to demonstrate that a small‐scale exploration of sourcing techniques suggests reason for optimism that quartzites may be amenable to source discrimination. For the same twenty Gunnison Basin quartzite samples, this study evaluated petrography, ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF), wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry—both acid‐digestion (AD‐ICP‐MS) and laser ablation (LA‐ICP‐MS)—as means to differentiate among the specimens and the sources they represent. Although more testing is needed to verify and refine our results, the study suggests there is potential for petrography, INAA, and both versions of ICP‐MS to discriminate among quartzites from different source localities in the Gunnison Basin. The greatest potential for discriminating among different sources of quartzite in the Gunnison Basin may lie in a methodology combining petrographic analysis and LA‐ICPMS. Future testing is required to evaluate this two‐fold approach. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Polygyny and female breeding failure reduce effective population size in the lekking Gunnison sage-grouse - Julie R. Stiver; Anthony D. Apa; Thomas E. Remington; Robert M. Gibson (Biological Conservation, 2008)
Extrapolation of the results suggests that six of the seven extant populations of this species may have effective sizes low enough to induce inbreeding depression and hence that translocations may be needed to supplement genetic diversity.

Mantle structure beneath the western edge of the Colorado Plateau - C. R. Sine; D. R. Wilson; W. Gao; Stephen P. Grand; Richard Aster; James Ni; W. Scott Baldridge (Geophysical Research Letters, 2008)
Teleseismic traveltime data are inverted for mantle Vp and Vs variations beneath a 1400 km long line of broadband seismometers extending from eastern New Mexico to western Utah. The model spans 600 km beneath the moho with resolution of ∼50 km. Inversions show a sharp, large‐magnitude velocity contrast across the Colorado Plateau‐Great Basin transition extending ∼200 km below the crust. Also imaged is a fast anomaly 300 to 600 km beneath the NW portion of the array. Very slow velocities beneath the Great Basin imply partial melting and/or anomalously wet mantle. We propose that the sharp contrast in mantle velocities across the western edge of the Plateau corresponds to differential lithospheric modification, during and following Farallon subduction, across a boundary defining the western extent of unmodified Proterozoic mantle lithosphere. The deep fast anomaly corresponds to thickened Farallon plate or detached continental lithosphere at transition zone depths.

Natural security: a darwinian approach to a dangerous world - Daniel T. Blumstein (2008)

Impact of light availability on benthic algal assemblages and invertebrate species composition - J. T. Greenberg (2008)

Time budget of yellow-bellied marmots at high and low elevations - A. J. Saenz; B. C. Woods (2008)
Time budgets of the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) were created observing two different localities within the Rocky Mountains of Colorado at different elevations (Cement Creek, 2641m and North Picnic, 2900m). Six behaviors (foraging, sitting/lying, locomotion (moving from place to place), fighting, grooming, and being alert/vigilant) were observed and recorded. Marmots at both elevations spent the majority of their time sitting/lying (47-54%). There were no significant differences between time spent foraging at North Picnic and Cement Creek. However, there was a 9% difference in time spent foraging between the sites, with Cement Creek having the greater percentage of foraging time. No agonistic behavior was observed at Cement Creek, while marmots at North Picnic were observed to spend 4% of their time behaving antagonistically. An absence of agonistic behavior could explain the increase in the percent of time spent foraging.

Mantle convection and the recent evolution of the Colorado Plateau and the Rio Grande Rift valley - Robert Moucha; Alessandro M. Forte; David B. Rowley; Jerry X. Mitrovica; Nathan A. Simmons; Stephen P. Grand (Geology, 2008)
Research Article| June 01, 2008 Mantle convection and the recent evolution of the Colorado Plateau and the Rio Grande Rift valley Robert Moucha; Robert Moucha 1GEOTOP, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Alessandro M. Forte; Alessandro M. Forte 1GEOTOP, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar David B. Rowley; David B. Rowley 2Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Jerry X. Mitrovica; Jerry X. Mitrovica 3Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Nathan A. Simmons; Nathan A. Simmons 4Jackson School of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA *Current Address: Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Stephen P. Grand Stephen P. Grand 4Jackson School of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Robert Moucha 1GEOTOP, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada Alessandro M. Forte 1GEOTOP, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada David B. Rowley 2Department of the Geophysical Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA Jerry X. Mitrovica 3Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A7, Canada Nathan A. Simmons *Current Address: Atmospheric, Earth & Energy Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94551, USA. 4Jackson School of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA Stephen P. Grand 4Jackson School of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 10 Nov 2007 Revision Received: 31 Jan 2008 Accepted: 13 Feb 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2008 Geological Society of America Geology (2008) 36 (6): 439–442. https://doi.org/10.1130/G24577A.1 Article history Received: 10 Nov 2007 Revision Received: 31 Jan 2008 Accepted: 13 Feb 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation Robert Moucha, Alessandro M. Forte, David B. Rowley, Jerry X. Mitrovica, Nathan A. Simmons, Stephen P. Grand; Mantle convection and the recent evolution of the Colorado Plateau and the Rio Grande Rift valley. Geology 2008;; 36 (6): 439–442. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G24577A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract The Colorado Plateau contains Late Cretaceous marine strata that are at a mean elevation of ~2 km. The timing and amount of uplift since the Cretaceous has generated considerable debate. With the exception of a few studies, topography supported by vertical stresses generated by viscous flow in the mantle has not been explicitly considered to contribute to the elevation of this region. Herein we compute the viscous flow beneath North America that is driven by density anomalies inferred from joint seismic-geodynamic modeling. We find that the Colorado Plateau overlies a strong mantle upwelling that is coupled to the sinking Farallon slab, currently beneath the eastern United States. Consequently, the Colorado Plateau is currently a focused dynamic topography high within the western U.S. Cordillera. Moreover, this strong upwelling impacts the base of the lithosphere at an oblique angle east of the plateau directly below the Rio Grande Rift. We attribute this flow as being responsible for some of the recent magmatic activity along the Jemez lineament as well as contributing to the recent rifting process in the Rio Grande Rift valley. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

Community assembly and food web interactions across pond permanence gradients - H. S. Greig (2008)

Spatiotemporal variation in reproductive parameters of yellow-bellied marmots - A. Ozgul; M. K. Oli; Link E. Olson; Daniel T. Blumstein; Kenneth B. Armitage (Oecologia, 2007)
The analysis indicated that λ was proportionately more sensitive to survival than recruitment, and the annual fluctuation in litter size, abetted by the breeding probabilities, accounted for most of the temporal variation in λ.

BREEDING PHENOLOGY AND SUCCESS OF BLACK SWIFTS IN BOX CANYON, OURAY, COLORADO - Sue E. Hirshman; Carolyn Gunn; Richard G. Levad (The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2007)
This study presents 11 years of nesting success and phenology data for Black Swifts (Cypseloides niger) at Box Canyon in Ouray, Colorado. Nest data were recorded on a near-daily basis for 160 nest attempts. Nesting success was 72% and mean and extreme dates of nesting events, including arrival, egg-laying, onset of incubation, hatching, and fledging are reported. On average, Black Swifts arrived on 13 June, egg laying started on 28 June, incubation started on 1 July, hatching occurred on 26 July, and fledging occurred on 13 September. The average incubation period was 26 days and the nestling phase was 48 days. In seven instances, a second egg appeared after loss of the first egg and, in one case, a third egg appeared. It was not possible to ascertain whether second or third eggs represented a renesting attempt or nest usurpation.

Source rock characterization of the Green River oil shale, Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado - Feng Jufang (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The Green River Formation in Piceance Creek basin is estimated to have the largest oil shale deposits in the world today, and it also provides a classic model for lacustrine source rock deposition.Based on study of facies associations, depositional trends, and basin-scale correlations, a sequence stratigraphic framework has been builtThis study would not have been possible without all the work she has done.I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Justin E. Birdwell, Mark J. Pawlewicz, and William M. Benzel from USGS at Denver

Effects of river regulation on riparian box elder (Acer Negundo) forests in Canyons of the upper Colorado River Basin, USA - John M. DeWine; David J. Cooper (Wetlands, 2007)

Evolutionary dynamics of an Ipomopsis hybrid zone: confronting models with lifetime fitness data - Diane R. Campbell; Nickolas M. Waser (American Naturalist, 2007)
Interspecific hybridization is a recurring aspect of the evolution of many plant and animal groups. The temporal dynamics of hybrid zones and the evolutionary consequences of hybridization should depend on fitness of parental and hybrid individuals expressed in different environments. We measured lifetime fitness, including survival and reproduction, of plants of Ipomopsis aggregata, Ipomopsis tenuituba, and their F1 hybrids, in experimental plantings in a natural hybrid zone. Fitness, measured as the finite rate of increase (λ), depended strongly on environment. Each parental species performed well in its home locale and poorly in the locale of the other species. Hybrids performed as well as parents overall but enjoyed their highest fitness in the hybrid site. Furthermore, F1 hybrids with I. tenuituba as maternal parent survived well only at the hybrid site, suggesting a $$cytonuclear\,× environment\,$$ interaction. These results support an “environmental cline” model of hybrid zone dynamics, with complexities in the fitness of hybrids consistent also with an “evolutionary novelty” model. Combined with those of earlier studies of pollination, our results suggest that both vegetative adaptation to physical environment and floral adaptation to pollinators contribute to observed patterns of phenotypic expression in this hybrid zone and to persistence of the hybrid zone.

Effects of the nuisance diatom Didymosphenia geminata on invertebrates in a Rocky Mountain stream - C. E. Brown (2007)
Nuisance blooms of the stalked diatom Didymosphenia geminata have become an increasing concern worldwide, yet little is known about their effect on stream food webs. We investigated the effects of D. geminata blooms on stream invertebrates of the East River in the western Rocky Mountains. Areas with natural blooming levels of D. geminata had greater total invertebrate density but similar invertebrate biomass when compared to areas of stream bottom where D. geminata was experimentally removed. Most notable was a dramatic increase in the density and biomass of Chironomidae larvae, which were 6.5 and 4.2 times greater, respectively, in areas with D. geminata blooms relative to areas where it was removed. The density and biomass of Perlidae stoneflies, historically rare in the East River, were 1.9 and 3.1 times greater, respectively, in areas containing D. geminata blooms. In contrast, Heptageniidae mayfly biomass decreased by 50% in areas with D. geminata blooms, but their density was unchanged. There was no significant change in either density or biomass of the numerically abundant and highly mobile mayfly, Baetidae. D. geminata did not significantly alter the growth rate of Baetis or Epeorus mayflies in experimental growth chambers. The thick mats of stalks created by D. geminata blooms likely alter stream food webs, particularly due to dramatic increases in the density of Chironomidae larvae.

Context-dependent pollinator behavior: An explanation for patterns of hybridization among three species of Indian paintbrush - E. I. Hersch; B. A. Roy (Evolution, 2007)
In some areas of sympatry, reproductively compatible plant species hybridize, but in other areas of sympatry, they do not and they remain reproductively isolated from one another. Explanations offered to explain patterns of hybridization that vary by population have usually focused on genetic or environmental factors. Instead, we examined whether different community contexts might change pollinator preference and constancy and thus influence the likelihood of hybridization among three Indian paintbrush species (Castilleja miniata, C. rhexifolia, and C. sulphurea). To determine whether visitation was context-dependent, we observed pollinator behavior in experimental arrays (constructed using flowering stems of the three Indian paintbrush species) in different contexts. Contexts were defined by which Castilleja species occurred in the immediate neighborhood of the arrays. Specifically, we asked, does visitation to particular species in the arrays depend on context? In general, each Castilleja species was preferred when it matched the surrounding community context, as is predicted by optimal foraging theory. More interestingly, pollinator constancy was weakened in the hybrid context (an area where the three species co-occurred with morphologically intermediate plants), which is likely to increase pollen flow among the species. Reduced pollinator constancy in hybrid zones could set up a positive feedback loop in which more flower diversity is created through hybridization, decreasing pollinator constancy, and leading to more hybridization. This self-reinforcing mechanism could lead to "hybridization hot spots" and to a patchy distribution of hybrid populations. We expect that this mechanism may be important in other animal-pollinated plant hybrid zones.

Flower preference and constancy in four butterfly species - J. Van Wyk (2007)

The evolution, function, and meaning of marmot alarm communication - Daniel T. Blumstein (Advances in the Study of Behavior, 2007)
This chapter discusses the evolution, function, and meaning of marmot alarm communication, a system in which one can study the dynamics of altruism and the specific acoustic cues that marmots use, which enable them to respond to novel predators.

Behavior of inexperienced bumble bees toward spatial clumping of nectar - D. Taneyhill; J. D. Thomson (Entomologia Generalis, 2007)

The influence of river regulation and land use on floodplain forest regeneration in the semi‐arid upper Colorado River Basin, USA - Krista Northcott; D. C. Andersen; David J. Cooper (River Research and Applications, 2007)
AbstractFlow regulation effects on floodplain forests in the semi‐arid western United States are moderately well understood, whereas effects associated with changes in floodplain land use are poorly documented. We mapped land cover patterns from recent aerial photos and applied a classification scheme to mainstem alluvial floodplains in 10 subjectively selected 4th order hydrologic units (subbasins) in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) in order to document land use patterns (floodplain development) and assess their effects on Fremont cottonwood forest (CF) regeneration. Three of the mainstem rivers were unregulated, five were moderately regulated and two were highly regulated. We classified polygons as Undeveloped (with two categories, including CF) and Developed (with five categories). We ground‐truthed 501 randomly selected polygons (4–28% of the floodplain area in each subbasin) to verify classification accuracy and to search for cottonwood regeneration, defined as stands established since regulation began or 1950, whichever is most recent. From 40% to 95% of the floodplain area remained undeveloped, but only 19–70% of the floodplain area was classified as forest. Regeneration occupied a mean of 5% (range 1–17%) of the floodplain. The likelihood of the presence of regeneration in a polygon was reduced 65% by development and independently in a complex manner by flow regulation. Our analyses indicate that floodplain forests may be in jeopardy on both regulated and unregulated rivers and that information on historical forest extent is needed to better understand their current status in the UCRB. Conservation efforts need to be coordinated at a regional level and address the potentially adverse affects of both flow regulation and floodplain development. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Depositional setting and reservoir-scale architecture of sandstone bodies of the Green River Formation in Evacuation Creek, Dragon Quadrangle, eastern Uinta basin, Utah - T. Ryan O'Hara (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The Green River Formation is an Eocene lacustrine deposit that is present in several Rocky Mountain basins.In the Uinta basin, the Green River Formation has produced large amounts of oil and gas from many fields, the largest being the Greater Altamont-Bluebell field in the northern margin of the basin, the Monument Butte and Natural Buttes fields in the central region, and the Greater Red Wash field in the northeastern part of the basin.In addition, the Green River Formation contains one of the largest oil shale deposits in the world.The Uinta and Piceance basins are estimated to contain 1.32 trillion barrels and 1.53 trillion barrels respectively of total in-place oil shale resource.This study focuses on littoral to sublittoral sandstone deposition of the Green River Formation in the eastern Uinta basin of Utah, in Evacuation Creek, near the Utah-Colorado border.This area contains extensive and continuous outcrop of the Green River Formation exposed in steep cliffs and gullies, and allows for the study of these units at the reservoir-scale. Litho-stratigraphically, the area contains the transition of the marginal lacustrine Douglas CreekMember to the open lacustrine Parachute Creek Member.The outcrops here contain very fine to medium-grained sandstone, siltstone, organic rich mudstone, carbonate grainstone and microbialite that reflect changes in depositional conditions in Ancestral Lake Uinta.This area was subject to frequent changes in lake level due to changes in climate and tectonics.This study aims to 1) interpret the depositional setting of the sedimentary package over the stratigraphic interval, and 2) describe the depositional architecture of these sand bodies in multiple dimensions at the reservoir-scale.

The effects of water and phosphorus on floral traits and nectar production of Ipomopsis aggregata - M. McChesney (2007)
Floral traits and nectar production of Ipomopsis aggregata were measured in response to water and phosphorus treatments applied to two morphotypes. Typical morphotypes underwent water and phosphorus treatments. Because stunted floral traits may be a response to drought stress, only water treatments were applied to stunted morphotypes. Observations were completed within three sites in Gothic, Colorado. In typical I. aggregata, corolla width was increased by phosphorus treatments and nectar production rate was increased with water additions. Water had no significant effect on plants containing stunted flowers; however, stunted plants produced typically sized flowers within the second week of the experiment.

Effects of soil moisture on Lupinus spp growth and root nodulation - A. Jalloh (2007)

Phylogeographic patterns in Drosophila montana - P. M. Mirol; M. A. Schafer; L. Orsini; J. Routtu; C. Schlotterer; A. Hoikkala; R. K. Butlins (Molecular Ecology, 2007)
The Drosophila virilis species group offers valuable opportunities for studying the roles of chromosomal re-arrangements and mating signals in speciation. The 13 species are divided into two subgroups, the montana and virilis ‘phylads’. There is greater differentiation among species within the montana phylad in both karyotype and acoustic signals than exists among members of the virilis phylad. Drosophila montana is a divergent species which is included in the montana phylad. Here, we analyse the phylogeography of D. montana to provide a framework for understanding divergence of acoustic signals among populations. We analysed mitochondrial sequences corresponding to the cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome oxidase II genes, as well as 16 microsatellite loci, from 108 lines of D. montana covering most of the species’ range. The species shows a clear genetic differentiation between North American and Scandinavian populations. Microsatellite allele frequencies and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes gave significant FST values between populations from Canada, USA and Finland. A Bayesian analysis of population structure based on the microsatellite frequencies showed four genetically distinct groups, corresponding to these three populations plus a small sample from Japan. A network based on mitochondrial haplotypes showed two Finnish clades of very different shape and variability, and another clade with all sequences from North America and Japan. All D. montana populations showed evidence of demographic expansion but the patterns inferred by coalescent analy- sis differed between populations. The divergence times between Scandinavian and North American clades were estimated to range from 450 000 to 900 000 years with populations in Canada and the USA possibly representing descendants of different refugial populations. Long-term separation of D. montana populations could have provided the opportunity for differentiation observed in male signal traits, especially carrier frequency of the song, but relaxation of sexual selection during population expansion may have been necessary.

Reproductive and physiological responses to simulated climate warming for four subalpine species - S. C. Lambrecht; M. E. Loik; David W. Inouye; J. Harte (New Phytologist, 2007)

Effects of floral display size and biparental inbreeding on outcrossing rates in Delphinium Barbeyi (Ranunculaceae) - C. F. Williams (American Journal of Botany, 2007)

Home range size, conspecific overlap, and weight gain of the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Spermophilus lateralis - S. Smiley (2007)

Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country Robert Righter, Rich Levad, Coen Dexter, Kim Potter .Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country.. 2004. Grand Valley Audubon Society. Grand Junction, CO. $29.95, paperback. 214 + 2 maps. ISBN: 0-9743453-0-X. - Bryan T. Brown (Western North American Naturalist, 2007)

The Sequence Stratigraphy of the Chinle Formation in the Dinosaur National Monument Region, Utah and Colorado, USA - Ryan Eric Erickson (University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy (University of Minnesota), 2007)
A Thesis submitted to the faculty of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota by Ryan Eric Erickson in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, October 2007.

Changes in mosquito community of Gunnison County since 1966 - N. A. Schafrick (2007)

Climate change and anti-herbivory resistance communication in Artemisia tridentata - R. Montgomery (2007)
It has been suggested that anthropogenic climate change may greatly influence plant communities, particularly at high elevations. We asked whether climate change and/or elevation gradient influence volatile intra-plant communication for purposes of anti- herbivory resistance and whether air contact is required for such communication in Artemisia tridentata. Plants at high and low elevation sites received one of three treatments: leaf clipping, leaf clipping and covering with plastic bag and no clipping with plastic bag. Distance from a focal stem to the nearest leaf damage and mean number of damaged leaves were measured before and after treatments. Previous leaf damage was shown to influence distribution of future herbivory damage, and free air flow influenced the distribution of subsequent herbivory damage. However, we did not find evidence for greater elevational influence on amount or distribution of herbivory damage.

Life-history consequences of vegetative damage in scarlet gilia, a monocarpic plant - Alison K. Brody; Mary V. Price; Nickolas M. Waser (Oikos, 2007)

Effects of larval energetic resources on life history and adult allocation patterns in a caddisfly (Trichoptera: Phryganeidae) - J. E. Jannot; E. Bruneau; S. A. Wissinger (Ecological Entomology, 2007)
Abstract 1. How populations respond to environmental change depends, in part, on the connection between environmental variance during early life stages and its effect on subsequent life‐history traits. For example, environmental variation during the larval stage can influence the life histories of organisms with complex life cycles by altering the amount of time spent in each stage of the life cycle as well as by altering allocation to life‐history traits during metamorphosis. 2. The effects of larval energetic resources on developmental timing, adult mass, fecundity, mating success, and allocation to adult body structures (thorax, abdomen, wings) were examined in an aquatic caddisfly ( Agrypnia deflata Milne, Trichoptera: Phryganeidae). Larval energetic reserves were manipulated by removing larval cases just prior to pupation. In the first experiment, cases of all individuals were removed just prior to pupation; experimental individuals were required to build a new case whereas control individuals were allowed to re‐enter their case without building. In the second experiment, energy differences were maximised between the two treatments by supplementing the larval diet of the control group and removing cases and not supplementing the diet of the experimental group. 3. Male and female development time, adult mass, and female fecundity were not influenced by case removal or diet supplementation. In contrast, allocation to adult body parts indicated a trade‐off between abdominal and thoracic mass among case‐removal females, suggesting that, under larval resource stress, females adjust resource allocation during metamorphosis to alleviate potential negative impacts on clutch size. In addition, latency to copulation increased when cases were removed, indicating larval resource stress could influence male mating success. 4. This study suggests that, under larval energetic stress, the negative impacts on female reproduction might be mitigated by re‐allocating resources during metamorphosis, whereas male allocation strategies might not be as flexible as female strategies.

Male courtship song and female preference variation between phylogeographically distinct populations of Drosophila montana - K. Klappert; D. Mazzi; A. Hoikkala; M. Ritchie (Evolution, 2007)

An empirical study of acoustic source localization - A. M. Ali; T. Collier; L. Girod; K. Yao; C. E. Taylor; Daniel T. Blumstein (2007)

Microsatellite-based species identification method for Drosophila virilis group species - J. Routtu; A. Hoikkala; M. Kankare (Hereditas, 2007)

Material culture, social networks, and the Chinese of Ouray, Colorado, 1880-1920 - Alexis Ryan Knee; Van Buren, Mary; Orsi, Jared; Snodgrass, Jeffrey (Journal of Interferon Research, 2007)
This study examines a sample of artifacts recovered from the Vanoli Site (5OR30) encompassing a privy and trash midden located directly behind an historic Chinese laundry. Previous research in Overseas Chinese archaeology has focused on historically large Chinese communities and processes of acculturation, resulting in a homogenous perception of past Overseas Chinese experiences. The purpose of this project is to explore the small, historic Chinese community of Ouray, Colorado, and work to understand their past experiences in terms of social interaction rather than acculturation. Borrowing concepts from social network theory, artifacts recovered from behind the Chinese laundry drive the reconstruction of past social relationships. When these relationships are placed within the context of Ouray and the United States at the time, they can lead to an understanding of past experiences. Quantitative analyses included organizing artifacts by material type, stylistic traits, function and minimum number of items. The production, acquisition and use contexts were also determined for artifacts when possible. Using historical sources, qualitative analyses began with researching the local context of Chinese living in Ouray and the attitudes of Ouray residents towards them. The social meanings of activities associated with excavated artifacts were understood within the contexts of China, the United States and Ouray at the time. These contexts, combined with identified patterns in the assemblage drove the reconstruction of several possible past social relationships. These relationships reveal that Chinese living in Ouray likely shared many of the same experiences as Chinese living in larger communities, specifically negative experiences stemming from racism and labor discrimination. However, they also likely had experiences that were unique to Ouray and were not completely dependent on ethnicity. Rather, a combination of factors, including occupation, place of business and residence, social status (within Chinese and Euroamerican communities), personal relationships, and wealth, seem to have had a more meaningful impact on experiences and whether those experiences were positive or negative. This was likely the case for most people living in the area. This study suggests that a close examination of local and historical contexts combined with archaeological evidence is necessary to illuminate Overseas Chinese experiences, and in doing such, could alter current perceptions of early Asian American history.

Changing distributions, changing climate: Using Bombus as an indicator of global warming near Crested Butte, Colorado - T. E. X. Miller (2007)
As well-studied, annual species inhabiting an environment with a short growing season, the bumble bees (Bombus spp.) in the area around the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) near Crested Butte, Colorado, provide an ideal system for monitoring climate change. In 1974, Graham Pyke conducted a survey of the bumble communities around RMBL by conducting a series of five transects over varying elevational ranges. He found that bumble bee species with similar tongue lengths tend to replace each other along an elevational gradient. In 2007 we repeated Pyke’s original transects to determine whether these transitions between bee species have changed in elevation. We also conducted floral surveys to determine whether any changes found in bee distributions were caused by changes in floral resources or by a direct effect of climate change. Within the groups based on tongue length, we found an overall increase in the relative abundance of low altitude species recorded and a decrease in the high altitude species. This corresponded with upward shifts in elevation in the transitions between species in all four transects investigated. For groups of bees with just one species, there was no directional shift in distribution. We did not find any major differences in floral distributions between the years, indicating that changes in Bombus distributions are experiencing a direct effect of climate change.

Rodent societies - L. A. Ebensperger; Daniel T. Blumstein (2007)

Acoustic source localization using the acoustic ENSBox - A. M. Ali; T. Collier; L. Girod; K. Yao; C. E. Taylor; Daniel T. Blumstein (2007)

The effects of altitude on the life history characteristics of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) - C. E. Brown; B. C. Woods (2007)

Automated wildlife monitoring using self-configuring sensor networks deployed in natural habitats - V. M. Trifa; L. Girod; T. Collier; Daniel T. Blumstein; C. E. Taylor (Proceedings of the Twelfth International Symposium on Artificial Life and Robotics, 2007)

Predicted fitness consequences of threat-sensitive hiding behavior - E. Rhoades; Daniel T. Blumstein (Behavioral Ecology, 2007)
In studies of refuge use as a form of antipredator behavior, where prey hide in response to a predator's approach, factors such as foraging costs and the perceived risk in a predator's approach have been shown to influence the hiding behavior of prey. Because few studies of waiting games have focused on mammals, we studied the hiding behavior of the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris), a ground-dwelling rodent. We tested the prediction that marmots vary hiding time as a function of predator approach speed and presence and absence of food outside their refuge and that marmots hide differently depending on their relative condition. We conducted ''fast approaches'' and ''slow approaches'' in the presence and absence of extra food and evaluated hiding times. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that the interaction between the approach speed and the presence and absence of food influenced hiding behavior; body condition had a smaller, but nonsignificant effect. We then developed a state-dependent dynamic model to explore potential fitness consequences of these decisions. The model suggested that the overall survival of a population is substantially reduced when individuals make suboptimal decisions. Our research builds on previous studies, indicating that animals integrate both costs and benefits of hiding when determining their hiding times.

Assessment of Coarse Sediment Mobility in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River, Colorado - Ian M. Dubinski; Ellen Wohl (Environmental Management, 2007)
The frequency of flows mobilizing river bank sediment along a majority of the Gunnison River in the BCNP has significantly declined since 1966, and decreases in the frequency of significant sediment-mobilizing flows were more pronounced for regions within the BC NP where the channel gradient is lower.

Evidence for fine scale adjustments in circadian rhythms in yellow-bellied marmots according to burrow location, photoperiod, and local ambient temperature - K. A. Grogan (2007)

New stratigraphic interpretations, geochemistry, and petrophysics of the lower Mancos group, Douglas Creek Arch, northwestern Colorado, U.S.A. - Katarzyna Kuzniak (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
A study of regional stratigraphy, geochemistry, and petrophysics of the interval between the Lower Mancos Shale and the Dakota Formations on the Douglas Creek Arch was conducted to investigate its resource potential as an unconventional gas accumulation.The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the Lower Mancos Shale is a potential exploration target on the Douglas Creek Arch and evaluate various organic facies within this interval.Additionally, a comparison of the lower Mancos group of northwestern Colorado to previous studies of this unit across the state was performed.To correlate separate, continuous, and mappable intervals in the Mancos B Shale to the Dakota formations, a study of well logs in this area was conducted.Within the stratigraphic interval thirteen key surfaces were identified: 1) Dakota Sandstone; 2) lower Tununk Shale; 3) Tununk Shale; 4) Frontier Sandstone; 5) Carlile Shale; 6) Niobrara 1; 7) Niobrara 2; 8) Niobrara 3; 9) Niobrara 4; 10) Niobrara 5; 11) Niobrara 6; 12) Niobrara 7; 13) Mancos Shale.Reservoir and source characteristics of each interval were investigated.The calcareous Niobrara Formation was identified on top of the Carlile Shale.To support the stratigraphic correlations and calcareous nature of the Niobrara Formation, an outcrop located in New Castle, Colorado was examined.Samples of the selected units were collected from the field.The petrology of the samples was analyzed.The identified stratigraphic units were tied to the results of geochemical analysis performed on drill cuttings from existing boreholes.This allowed for the identification of intervals with moderate to high organic content.Formations in the study interval that may have source rock generative potential are: lower Tununk Shale, Tununk Shale, all the intervals within the Niobrara Formation, and part of the Mancos Shale.Additionally, a basic petrophysical study of the identified intervals within the lower Mancos group was conducted including the calculation of water saturations and porosities.In the final stage of the project, structure and isopach maps of the separate, continuous intervals of lower Mancos group were created.Based on the results, potential source rocks and reservoirs were identified.This study provides an opportunity for additional exploration targets in

Rock glaciers in Central Colorado, U.S.A., as indicators of Holocene climate change - K. A. Refsnider; Keith A. Brugger (Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research, 2007)
We measured thalli diameters of the lichen Rhizocarpon subgenus Rhizocarpon on 48 individual lobes of 18 rock glaciers and rock glacier complexes in the Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range of central Colorado. Cumulative probability distribution and K-means clustering analyses were used to separate lichen thalli measurements into statistically distinct groups, each interpreted as representing a discrete episode of rock glacier activity driven by an interval of cooler climate. Lichen ages for these episodes were assigned using a growth curve developed for Rhizocarpon geographicum in the nearby Front Range. An early Neoglacial episode, ca. 3080 yr BP, is correlative to other glacial and periglacial activity in the southern Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas and broadly corresponds to an interval of climatic deterioration evident in several other proxies of Holocene climate. The younger two episodes, ca. 2070 and 1150 yr BP, are also coeval with regional (Audubon) glacial and periglacial activity but are thus far not widely recognized in other climate proxies.

Age effects on yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) maximum running speed - Jiancong Chen (2007)
Age effects on maximum running speed (MRS) in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) were examined to see whether this performance trait varied with age. Individuals were trapped in Tomahawk livetraps, then released and encouraged to run to burrows by yelling and chasing over varying distances. Factors possibly affecting the MRS including incline, distance run, age, sex, and substrate were recorded and controlled for in a general linear model that sought to explain variation in run time. I found that distance run and substrate have significant effects on run time, while age, incline, and sex had insignificant effects on run time. However, younger marmots ran over a wider range of speeds than older marmots. This suggested that yellow-bellied marmots did not experience somatic senescence although there appeared to be natural selection for locomotor ability.

Effects of nutrient limitation on floral function and biomass allocation in Geranium richardsonii - J. W. Bala (2007)

Mineralogy of the Paquin Mining District {Ouray County, Colorado} - Tom Rosemeyer (Rocks & Minerals, 2007)

Accuracy assessment of skeletochronology in the Arizona tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) - Christopher Eden; H. H. Whiteman; L. Duobinis-Gray; S. A. Wissinger (Copeia, 2007)

Rodent societies - L. A. Ebensperger; Daniel T. Blumstein; Daniel T. Blumstein (2007)

Structural and stratigraphic controls on fracture distribution within sand bodies of the Upper Iles and Lower Williams Fork formations, Mamm Creek and Divide Creek fields, Piceance Basin, Colorado - Webber, Robert B. (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The Mesaverde Group in the Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado is a continuous tight gas accumulation that has established itself as one of the more prolific producers of natural gas in the Rocky Mountain Region.In the Piceance Basin, the most significant producing intervals within the Mesaverde Group are the Iles and Williams Fork Formations, which provide key reservoir and source aspects of the Mesaverde total petroleum system.The Williams Fork and Iles Formations were deposited by sediment shed from the Sevier fold and thrust belt and transported eastward into the Cretaceous Interior Seaway.As a result of depositional processes and grain composition, the sandstones in these formations have very low permeability, typically less than 0.1 mD; so low that successful production of hydrocarbons requires the presence of fractures, either natural fractures or induced fractures from hydraulic stimulation.Natural fractures have been documented to significantly enhance reservoir permeability.This thesis examines the stratigraphic and structural controls on fracture distribution within the Mamm Creek field through the use of Borehole Image Logs, electrical logs, and outcrop.Sand bodies were divided into 5 different facies associations for fracture analysis, in order to investigate the stratigraphic controls on fracture properties.Positive linear relationships were identified between bed thickness and fracture aperture and spacing; thicker beds support larger fractures with larger apertures.Open and healed-resistive fractures were observed in the study area.The overall mean strike of all fractures in the study area is 315, with the majority of dips ranging between 81-90.Open fractures contain a mean strike of 319.Healed-resistive fractures contain a mean strike of 122.The present day stress orientation (SHmax) determined from the orientation of drilling induced tensile fractures in Mamm Creek field is 130.This orientation is parallel with naturally occurring fractures and creates limitations in connecting

Restoring Colorado River Ecosystems: A Troubled Sense of Immensity R. W. Adler . 2007. Restoring Colorado River Ecosystems: A Troubled Sense of Immensity. Island Press.xxiii+. 311 15 × 23 cm, paperback, US$35.00. ISBN: 978-1-59726-057-2. - Roland Jansson (Ecoscience, 2007)

A comparative study of the cost of alternative mayfly oviposition behaviors. - A. C. Encalada; B. L. Peckarsky (Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2007)

Genetic and Phenotypic divergence in Drosophila virilis and D. montana - J. Routtu (2007)

Devising an ageing technique for Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana near Crested Butte, Colorado - R. E. Poore (2007)
Due to climatic changes, sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) is likely to increase its elevational range in the Rocky Mountains, which could have significant effect on alpine communities. Little is known about the demographics of sagebrush populations, partially due to difficulties in ageing plants. This study examines the relationship between age and various physical attributes of sagebrush at four sites along an elevational gradient near Crested Butte, Colorado. We found the best correlations between age and diameter, although it is unclear how well these could be used to age sagebrush in the field. There was very little variation in ages across the sites, with most sites having plants as old as 45-55 years. However, the second lowest site was significantly younger than the rest of the sites, with the oldest plant only 33 years old. This is most likely due to heavy grazing at this site that is not present at any of the other sites. A general trend of increased ring widths at lower elevations was also noticed.

Pennsylvanian sinistral faults along the southwest boundary of the Uncompahgre uplift, Ancestral Rocky Mountains, Colorado - William A. Thomas (Geosphere, 2007)
Resolution of the large-scale kinematics of the Pennsylvanian-Permian Ancestral Rocky Mountains requires definition of sense of slip and time of movement on specific faults within the system of fault-bounded basins and uplifts (e.g., Paradox basin, Uncompahgre uplift). Along an east-west–striking segment of the boundary between the Paradox basin and Uncompahgre uplift, a system of steep faults defines a horst and graben system, which includes the Grenadier fault block. Positive flower structures (anticlines) along both the bounding (Coal Bank Pass and Molas Creek faults) and internal (Snowdon fault) faults of the Grenadier fault block indicate strike-slip displacement, and oblique subsidiary folds show sinistral slip. On both sides of the Snowdon fault, stratigraphic thinning of parts of the Pennsylvanian Hermosa Group toward the fault documents synsedimentary growth of the positive flower structure, suggesting Pennsylvanian sinistral slip along this part of the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. Sinistral strike-slip along one east-west–striking segment of the fault system between the Paradox basin and Uncompahgre uplift is compatible with reverse slip on northwest-striking segments, demonstrating that a regional assembly of data to define sense of slip and time of movement on specific faults will better constrain regional-scale models for kinematics and mechanics of Ancestral Rocky Mountains deformation.

Law of water for irrigation in Colorado, The - Samuel Warner Carpenter (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)

Cosmogenic 10Be and 36Cl ages from late Pleistocene terminal moraine complexes in the Taylor River drainage basin, central Colorado, USA - Keith A. Brugger (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2007)

The effect of sampling effort on species richness estimates of flower visitors - V. A. Kowal (2007)
Estimates of species richness, while useful and common to many subdisciplines of biology, are problematic in their reliance on adequate sampling effort. How much sampling is required for an accurate estimate of species richness, and what levels of sampling will render communities comparable? This study used estimates of species richness of flower visitors to four plant species in the presence and absence of an invasive plant as a case study to explore how much sampling effort is necessary to reach saturated species richness. Visitor species were recorded exhaustively in a single flowering season. Visitors were also tested for the pollen of the focal plant in order to ascertain whether visitor richness accurately measured pollinator richness. Empirical visitor accumulation curves for each plant species showed that even when sampling effort was maintained at a high level, saturated species richness estimates were elusive. Pollen data showed that not all visitor species carried pollen of the flowers that they were collected from, and that the frequency of visitation of a particular visitor species did not predict whether this species was likely to carry pollen. This study, in addition to documenting empirical and exhaustive pollinator taxon sampling curves for four plant species, uses those asymptotic richness counts to test whether visitor species numbers and diversity are affected by the presence of an attractive invasive. It also shows that species counts of flower visitors are not simply equivalent to species counts of pollinators.

Analysis and modeling of intermediate-scale reservoir heterogeneity based on a fluvial point-bar outcrop analog, Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado - Matthew J. Pranter; Amanda I. Ellison; Rex D. Cole; Penny E. Patterson (AAPG Bulletin, 2007)
This study presents results of outcrop characterization and modeling of lithologic heterogeneity within a well-exposed point bar of the Williams Fork Formation in Coal Canyon, Piceance Basin, Colorado. This deposit represents an intermediate-scale depositional element that developed from a single meandering channel within a low net-to-gross ratio fluvial system. Williams Fork outcrops are analogs to petroleum reservoirs in the Piceance Basin and elsewhere. Analysis and modeling of the point bar involved outcrop measurements and ground-based high-resolution light detection and ranging data; thus, the stratigraphic frameworks accurately represent the channel-fill architecture. Two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) outcrop models and streamline simulations compare scenarios based on different lithologies, shale drapes, observed grain-size trends, petrophysical properties, and modeling methods. For 2-D models, continuous and discontinuous shale drapes on lateral-accretion surfaces result in a 79% increase and 24% decrease in breakthrough time (BTT), respectively, compared to models without shale drapes. The discontinuous shale drapes in the 2-D and 3-D models cause a 30% and 107% decrease, respectively, in sweep efficiency because they focus fluid flow downward to the base of the point bar. For similar reasons, 2-D models based on grain size exhibit 67–267% shorter BTT and 44–57% lower sweep efficiency compared to other model scenarios. Unlike the 2-D models, the continuous shale drapes in the 3-D models cause the fluid front to spread out and contact more of the reservoir, resulting in 42–53% longer BTT and 41–52% higher sweep efficiency compared to the other models. These results provide additional insight into the significance of intermediate-scale heterogeneity of fluvial reservoirs.

Group dynamics and decision making: backcountry recreationists in avalanche terrain - Leslie Shay Bright; Gilley, Jerry W.; Chermack, Tom; Makela, Carole J.; Thompson, Jessica Leigh (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The purpose of this study was to describe and determine the prevalence of decision-making characteristics of recreational backcountry groups when making a decision of where to travel and ride in avalanche terrain from the perspective of individuals. Decision-making characteristics encompassed communication, decision-making processes, leadership, and group factors, including groupthink and bounded awareness. Additionally, the study sought information on decision outcomes and group attributes and explored relationships among the characteristics, outcomes, and attributes. As little empirical findings existed, this study sought to provide foundational knowledge regarding the dynamics and decision making of winter recreational backcountry groups traveling in avalanche terrain. This study utilized quantitative, cross-sectional survey research and a newly developed instrument. Participants were asked to complete the instrument online and reflect on one 2009-2010 backcountry outing in which they traveled with at least one other person in avalanche terrain. The study included 524 respondents with approximately 70% reporting an outing that occurred in Colorado. Scale scores were determined for communication, decision-making processes, groupthink, bounded awareness, and decision outcomes. The Cronbach's alphas ranged from .41 to .80. With Spearman's correlation coefficient, positive, significant relationships were found between each of the five decision-making characteristics and between the characteristics and decision outcomes. Associations between leadership and the other decision-making characteristics and decision outcomes ranged from .09 to .22. The associations between group decision outcomes and the decision-making characteristics ranged from .16 to .45, and the correlations between communication, decision-making processes, groupthink, and bounded awareness ranged from .59 to .78. Relationships were found between particular group attributes and the characteristics and outcomes. Notably, communication worsened and groupthink increased as groups got larger, and as respondents spent more days per season in avalanche terrain they reported their groups to have more thorough decision-making processes. The findings provide support for a variety of the suggested group behaviors presented in the literature as well as new insights on group dynamics and decision making. This study contributes to the avalanche hazard evaluation literature and educational resources and could positively impact the safety of those traveling in avalanche terrain.

Leaf physiology reflects environmental differences and cytoplasmic background in Ipomopsis hybrids - C. A. Wu; Diane R. Campbell (American Journal of Botany, 2007)
Natural hybridization can produce individuals that vary widely in fitness, depending upon the performance of particular genotypes in a given environment. In a hybrid zone with habitat heterogeneity, differences in physiological responses to abiotic conditions could influence the fitness and spatial distribution of hybrids and parental species. This study compared gas exchange physiology of Ipomopsis aggregata, I. tenuituba, and their natural hybrids in situ and assessed whether physiological differences were consistent with their native environmental conditions. We also produced reciprocal F2s in a greenhouse study to test for cytonuclear effects on water‐use efficiency (WUE). The relative performance of natural hybrids and parentals was consistent with their native habitats: I. aggregata at the coolest, wettest locations had the lowest WUE, while hybrids from the most xeric sites had the highest WUE. In hybrids, the mechanism by which both natural and experimental hybrids achieved this high WUE depended on cytotype: those with I. tenuituba cytoplasm had reduced transpiration, while those with I. aggregata cytoplasm had an increased photosynthetic rate, consistent with patterns in the cytoplasmic parent. The high WUE in hybrids may contribute to their high survival in the dry center of the natural hybrid zone, consistent with environment‐dependent models of hybrid zone dynamics.

Zircon: Helen Hunt Falls, El Paso County, Colorado - Robert B. Cook (Rocks & Minerals, 2007)
(2007). Zircon: Helen Hunt Falls, El Paso County, Colorado. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 82, No. 4, pp. 310-318.

Effects of long-term experimental warming on aphid density in the field - L. S. Adler; P. de Valpine; J. Harte; J. Call (Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, 2007)
Global warming is generally predicted to increase the intensity of herbivore pressure on plants. Support for this prediction often comes from short-term studies, or studies conducted in controlled laboratory settings. We examined the effect of long-term experimental warming on an aphid-sagebrush interaction (Obtusicauda coweni and Artemisia tridentata) in natural field plots in the Rocky Mountains. In no year did we find support for the prediction that warming increased aphid abundance or population growth. In fact, warming decreased aphid density on sagebrush in one year, tended to decrease aphids in a second year, and had no effect in a third year. In enclosures that excluded predators, warming decreased aphid population growth by an amount consistent with observed field density differences. Warming increased sagebrush carbon:nitrogen (C∶N) ratio and plant size, but there was no significant correlation between these variables and aphid growth or density. In a separate snow-manipulation experiment in unwarmed plots, the timing of snowmelt did not affect aphid density. In conclusion, warming reduced or did not affect aphid density in each of three years, but this effect could not be explained by differences in plant size, bulk C∶N ratio, predation, or snowmelt date. Our results suggest that long-term studies within a natural community context may provide counterexamples to the prediction that warming will increase herbivore pressure on plants.

Drain the Lake! Tear Down the Butte! Build Paradise!: The Environmental Dimensions of Social and Economic Power in Boulder, Colorado, and Benzie, Michigan: Presented as the Twentieth Annual Lecture in the W. P. Whitsett California Lecture Series, California State University, Northridge, May 26, 2006 - Philip J. Deloria (Southern California Quarterly, 2007)
Research Article| April 01 2007 Drain the Lake! Tear Down the Butte! Build Paradise!: The Environmental Dimensions of Social and Economic Power in Boulder, Colorado, and Benzie, Michigan: Presented as the Twentieth Annual Lecture in the W. P. Whitsett California Lecture Series, California State University, Northridge, May 26, 2006 Philip J. Deloria Philip J. Deloria Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Southern California Quarterly (2007) 89 (1): 65–88. https://doi.org/10.2307/41172353 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Philip J. Deloria; Drain the Lake! Tear Down the Butte! Build Paradise!: The Environmental Dimensions of Social and Economic Power in Boulder, Colorado, and Benzie, Michigan: Presented as the Twentieth Annual Lecture in the W. P. Whitsett California Lecture Series, California State University, Northridge, May 26, 2006. Southern California Quarterly 1 April 2007; 89 (1): 65–88. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/41172353 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentSouthern California Quarterly Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 2007 Historical Society of Southern California Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Testing the importance of the distribution of worker sizes to colony performance in the ant species Formica obscuripes Forel - Ian Billick; C. Carter (Insectes Sociaux, 2007)
It is found that experimental colonies whose distributions mimicked the natural distributions retained a larger percentage of colony biomass over three weeks when fed on honeydew, relative to colonies composed of only large or only small workers.

Nutrient limitation of the nuisance, stalk-forming diatom, Didymosphenia geminata, in Rocky Mountain streams - D. A. Mitrano (2007)
The range of some algae has been increasing in recent years due to either internal (genetic) or external (environmental) factors that have been expanding both the nutrient and pH range at which they can survive. Didymoshenia geminata (didymo) is a species of diatom with a silica casing that can form nuisance blooms on stream beds excluding native species of algae. Understanding the water chemistry that allows for the explosive growth of this diatom is necessary in reducing the spread of the carbon rich, extra cellular stalks it produces. We believe that the addition of sulfate and phosphorus will increase both the diatom cell and stalk production. Nutrient diffusing substrates using nutrient enriched agar were placed in flower pots with 12 treatments (including a control) containing various combinations of phosphorus, sulfate, silicate, and nitrogen. One hundred and eight pots in nine blocks were then placed in the East River in Western Colorado for twenty days at which point measures of chlorophyll a, ash free dry mass (organic matter), and visual counts of both cell and stalk were taken from each sample. Our results showed that the addition of phosphorus containing treatments increased the number of didymo cells while the addition of sulfate containing treatments increased the stalk production significantly more than any other nutrient combination. Nitrogen and silicate were shown to have no significant growth effects by themselves. Since the East River is known to be phosphorus limited, we conclude the D. geminata in this water system has few cells but more stalk and so can be considered a nuisance bloom condition that can adversely affect benthic habitat.

Compensatory responses to loss of warming-sensitive plant species - M. S. Cross; J. Harte (Ecology, 2007)
Climate warming-induced plant species loss is likely to be nonrandom and based on species-specific susceptibility to changing climate. We examined the ecological consequences of losing shallow-rooted forbs, a group of species we predict to be adversely affected by climate change based on their response to experimental warming. After three years of experimental species removal, tap-rooted forbs and grasses were able to fully compensate for the loss of shallow-rooted forbs with increased biomass production. Moreover, the remaining plant community yielded a larger biomass response to nitrogen addition when shallow-rooted forbs were removed, possibly because removal led to increased soil moisture. We conclude that, although shallow-rooted forbs share a common response to warming, their loss did not affect community-level biomass. However, the loss of shallow-rooted forbs could result in increased sensitivity to perturbations, such as changing nutrient availability. Our results demonstrate that realistic, nonrandom scenarios of species loss do not necessarily follow the general pattern of decreased productivity and dampened response to nitrogen addition with species loss that is predicted by theory and many experimental results. Further examinations of nonrandom species loss in other ecosystems are needed to further improve our understanding of the consequences of human-driven species loss.

Effects of single and terraced beaver ponds on benthic macroinvertebrate communities - N. R. Stone (2007)
Beavers are an important aspect of the landscape and have been increasing in abundance in montane regions of the western U.S. While beaver impoundments have been shown to affect downstream habitats, their influence is variable and may be attributed in part to variation in the morphology of impoundments. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of terraced and single beaver ponds on benthic macroinvertebrate functional feeding group composition and to test some potential mechanisms explaining differences between the two types of ponds. I took 30-s traveling kick samples of invertebrates and measured water chemistry, periphyton chlorophyll, seston AFDM, seston chlorophyll, and substrate particle size composition and installed Hobo continuous temperature and light recorders upstream and downstream of 6 beaver pond complexes (3 single and 3 terraced) in 2 montane catchments of the upper Gunnison River basin in western Colorado during summer 2007. Grazing invertebrates decreased in abundance downstream of single ponds, but increased downstream of terraced ponds, while suspension feeding invertebrates increased downstream of terraced ponds. There were too few shredders in these systems to test the effects of pond morphology on their abundance. Potential mechanisms for effects included increased ambient conductivity associated with higher grazer abundances, which could have caused higher primary productivity. Neither ammonium levels nor AFDM of seston explained abundance differences of grazers or suspension feeders upstream or downstream of impoundments. Water temperatures, phosphorus levels and chlorophyll in the periphyton and seston remain as viable hypotheses that will be tested when the data are completely analyzed. This study shows that beaver pond morphology should be taken into account when studying effects on stream ecosystems.

The effect of ants on membracid nymph size and instar - J. Howard (2007)
This project aimed to determine the mechanism of which treehopper nymphs grow in the presence of ants. Nymphs (Publilia modesta) are larger when their mutualist partner (Formica obscuripes) is present. There are two ways in which the nymphs can grow: (1) nymphs grow at the same rate, but are larger for a given stage of development, (2) nymphs grow faster (go through instars more quickly). This study investigates which of the two ways the nymphs are growing by manipulating the presence or absence of ants to the nymphs during development. Four samples of the nymphs were taken in four weeks. Stage of nymph development and size of nymph were determined and analyzed over time with respect to treatment group (ants or no ants). We found that the presence of ants causes the membracid nymphs to grow faster and that size was not affected. This implies that there is no extra cost to nymphs to grow more quickly, because they are able to preserve their size and still grow at a faster rate.

Pollination subsidies between wetland and dry meadow habitats - S. K. Dunklee (2007)
Productive habitats can provide subsidies to neighboring habitats in the form of resources and services; however, little is known about whether subsidies operate in pollination systems. I studied wetland and dry meadow habitats in a subalpine system to assess whether wetlands provide neighboring pollinators with resource subsidies, or if wetlands facilitate the pollination of nearby dry meadows. I measured flower production and observed pollinator visitation in three types of meadows: wetlands, near dry meadows, and far dry meadows. Additionally, I assessed pollinator similarity between meadow types and tracked pollen flow using fluorescent dye. I found no significant differences in overall floral density or pollinator visitation between meadow types. Pollinator similarity was high for both wetlands compared to near dry meadows, 85.9%, and wetlands compared to far meadows, 82.6%. More dye movement was observed in dry meadows than in wetlands, and there was no evidence of inter-habitat pollen movement. Concerning the two major assumptions underlying the subsidy hypothesis, my results question the assumption that wetlands provide higher floral rewards than dry meadows and confirm the assumption that wetlands and dry meadows share pollinators. I found no evidence supporting the potential for a wetland-dry meadow subsidy in this system. Given the fundamental importance of pollination services in natural systems, this study provides needed research on the pollination biology of wetland and dry meadow species in subalpine ecosystems. 3

Olfactory predator discrimination abilities of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) - L. Barrow (2007)
Several prey species have demonstrated a response to predator odors by altering their behavior, but few studies have explored the abilities of prey to discriminate between predator odors or to recognize novel predators. The olfactory abilities of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) were studied at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory to determine whether they can distinguish between predator and non-predator odors, discriminate between predator odors based on the riskiness of predators, and recognize novel predators. A within-subjects sequential experimental design was used in which individual marmots were presented with five urines (elk, coyote, fox, mountain lion, and wolf) in separate events. Elk was a familiar herbivore used as a control. Coyotes and foxes are familiar predators, with coyotes considered to be a greater risk than foxes. Mountain lions and wolves are not present in the study area, and are considered to be novel predators. Marmots were observed foraging at a scented bait pile and the behavioral transitions were recorded. Coyote, mountain lion, and wolf urine caused a greater rate of sniffing than elk urine. Coyote and mountain lion urine caused a higher rate of looking than elk urine, and coyote urine caused a higher rate of foraging than elk urine. Marmots are apparently able to distinguish between predators and non-predator urine, but it is unclear whether they can discriminate different levels of risk. There was a significantly higher response to coyote urine than elk urine, but no significant difference between fox and elk urine. Marmots also appear to be able to recognize novel predators, as they had a similar response to familiar and novel predators. Olfactory cues seem to be useful to yellow-bellied marmots in identifying potential predators, but they may not alter their behavior drastically in response. Key Words: yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris, olfactory cues, predator detection, urine, antipredator behavior 1

Rodent societies: an ecological and evolutionary perspective - Kenneth B. Armitage (2007)

Constrained lability in floral evolution: counting convergent origins of hummingbird pollination in Keckiella and Penstemon - P. Wilson; A. D. Wolfe; W. S. Armbruster; J. D. Thomson (New Phytologist, 2007)
In the clade of Penstemon and segregate genera, pollination syndromes are well defined among the 284 species. Most display combinations of floral characters associated with pollination by Hymenoptera, the ancestral mode of pollination for this clade. Forty-one species present characters associated with hummingbird pollination, although some of these ornithophiles are also visited by insects. The ornithophiles are scattered throughout the traditional taxonomy and across phylogenies estimated from nuclear (internal transcribed spacer (ITS)) and chloroplast DNA (trnCD/TL) sequence data. Here, the number of separate origins of ornithophily is estimated, using bootstrap phylogenies and constrained parsimony searches. Analyses suggest 21 separate origins, with overwhelming support for 10 of these. Because species sampling was incomplete, this is probably an underestimate. Penstemons therefore show great evolutionary lability with respect to acquiring hummingbird pollination; this syndrome acts as an attractor to which species with large sympetalous nectar-rich flowers have frequently been drawn. By contrast, penstemons have not undergone evolutionary shifts backwards or to other pollination syndromes. Thus, they are an example of both striking evolutionary lability and constrained evolution.

Foraging tactics in alternative heterochronic salamander morphs: trophic quality of ponds matters more than water permanency - M. Denoel; H. H. Whiteman; S. A. Wissinger (Freshwater Biology, 2007)
Summary1. In lentic freshwater habitats, the composition of animal assemblages shifts along a gradient from temporary to permanent basins. When habitats with different degrees of permanence are at the scale of the home range of species, they constitute alternatives in terms of energy acquisition through feeding.2. In this context, previous studies showed an advantage of metamorphic over paedomorphic tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) in temporary ponds which are only available to metamorphs. The aim of this study was to establish whether salamanders obtain similar benefits in ponds that do not differ in water permanence and whether salamanders shifted from detrimental to advantageous ponds. To this end, we determined the feeding habits, body condition and movement patterns of the two morphs in a complex of four permanent and four temporary ponds.3. Consistent with previous studies, metamorphs consumed higher‐quality diets than paedomorphs in term of energy intake. However, these differences occurred because metamorphs consumed fairy shrimp in a single temporary pond. Individual movement patterns confirmed that most of the metamorphs used different aquatic habitats both within and between years and that most of them moved from permanent ponds for breeding towards the most profitable temporary pond in terms of foraging.4. These results indicate that habitat selection by salamanders is optimal in term of energy intake in metamorphs that use high quality ponds independently of hydroperiod. It seems that both spatial and temporal variation can influence the relative foraging success of each morph.

Predicting the effects of nectar robbing on plant reproduction: implications of pollen limitation and plant mating system - L. A. Burkle; R. E. Irwin; Daniel Aureliano Newman (American Journal of Botany, 2007)
The outcome of species interactions is often difficult to predict, depending on the organisms involved and the ecological context. Nectar robbers remove nectar from flowers, often without providing pollination service, and their effects on plant reproduction vary in strength and direction. In two case studies and a meta‐analysis, we tested the importance of pollen limitation and plant mating system in predicting the impacts of nectar robbing on female plant reproduction. We predicted that nectar robbing would have the strongest effects on species requiring pollinators to set seed and pollen limited for seed production. Our predictions were partially supported. In the first study, natural nectar robbing was associated with lower seed production in Delphinium nuttallianum, a self‐compatible but non‐autogamously selfing, pollen‐limited perennial, and experimental nectar robbing reduced seed set relative to unrobbed plants. The second study involved Linaria vulgaris, a self‐incompatible perennial that is generally not pollen limited. Natural levels of nectar robbing generally had little effect on estimates of female reproduction in L. vulgaris, while experimental nectar robbing reduced seed set per fruit but not percentage of fruit set. A meta‐analysis revealed that nectar robbing had strong negative effects on pollen‐limited and self‐incompatible plants, as predicted. Our results suggest that pollination biology and plant mating system must be considered to understand and predict the ecological outcome of both mutualistic and antagonistic plant–animal interactions.

Ant-aphid interactions: are ants friends, enemies, or both? - Ian Billick; S. Hammer; J. Reithel; P. Abbot (Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 2007)
Abstract Interactions between ants and aphids range from mutualistic to antagonistic. Understanding the ecological basis for such interactions requires understanding the costs and benefits to the aphids of ant-tending. Such an analysis is not simple, because ants can simultaneously have positive and negative effects upon aphids. The aphids Pleotrichophorus utensis Pack & Knowlton and Uroleucon escalantii Knowlton (both Hemiptera: Aphididae) are occasionally tended by Formica obscuripes Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at field sites in central Colorado. To compare the relative effects of protection and predation by ants on aphid abundance, we experimentally crossed the presence of the ants and other predators on host plants on which one or both aphids occur. Within a week of the start of the experiment, ants had a strong negative impact on aphid numbers that lasted the course of the experiment. Nonant predators initially had a weak negative effect on aphids, but by the end of the experiment, the negative effect of nonant predators was similar in magnitude to the effect of the ants. The negative effect of ants and other enemies on aphids was nonadditive; simultaneous predation by ants and other enemies was not as strong as expected from estimates of predation rates by only ants or only other enemies. This study suggests that ants simultaneously protect and prey upon aphids. We suggest selection to appease ants and to gain protection from ants can both be important forces generating ant–aphid mutualisms.

Variation in pollinator preference between two Ipomopsis contact sites that differ in hybridization rate - George Aldridge; Diane R. Campbell (Evolution, 2007)
Pollinator-mediated reproductive isolation is often a principal factor in determining the rate of hybridization between plant species. Pollinator preference and constancy can reduce interspecific pollen transfer between otherwise interfertile, coflowering species. The importance of this ethological isolation can be assessed by comparing the strength of preference and constancy of pollinators in contact sites that differ in the frequency of hybrid individuals. We observed visitation by hummingbirds and hawkmoths in natural single-species patches and artificial mixed-species arrays in two Ipomopsis aggregata/I. tenuituba contact sites-one with few hybrids, and one in which hybrids are abundant. Pollinator preference and constancy were stronger at the low-frequency hybrid site, especially for hawkmoths (Hyles lineata). Hawkmoths at the low-frequency hybrid site showed significant preference and constancy for I. tenuituba, while at the high-frequency site hawkmoths visited both species equally. One hypothesis that might explain these differences in hawkmoth foraging is that warmer nights at the low-frequency hybrid site allow for nocturnal foraging where the light-colored corollas of I. tenuituba have a visibility advantage. These differences in hawkmoth behavior might in turn affect hummingbirds differently at the two sites, through changes in nectar resources, leading to greater pollinator-mediated isolation at the low-frequency hybrid site. Our results suggest that differences in pollinator behaviors between sites can have both direct and indirect effects on hybridization rates between plant species.

Impacts of climate change on the hydrologic response of headwater basins in Colorado - Caleb R. Foy; Mazdak Arabi; Jorge A. Ramı́rez; Ramirez, Jorge (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The headwater basins of Colorado are heavily relied upon for freshwater resources on an annual basis. However, knowledge concerning generation of such resources, and implications of climate change on their availability in the future, is not well understood. Thus, this research has been undertaken to develop, calibrate, and test a comprehensive process-based model in four mountainous watersheds of Colorado, and investigate the potential impacts of changing climate on hydrologic response in these basins. Specifically, the four study watersheds considered for analysis include the Cache la Poudre, Gunnison, San Juan and Yampa River basins. Calibration of the model compared several parameter optimization techniques for performance in each of the study basins, which included the more common Shuffled Complex Evolution – University of Arizona (SCE-UA) method and a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method known as the Gibbs Sampler Algorithm (GSA). Fully calibrated and tested models were driven by a suite of 112 climate projections, downscaled both spatially and temporally, and were run on a daily time-step for a period of 90 years from 2010 – 2099. Results from model calibration indicate GSA outperformed SCE-UA in a majority of the study basins, in addition to revealing promising results from a two-stage method that combined the strengths of the two techniques. Error statistics showed very good (Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency >0.75 and relative error <+/-10%) performance of monthly streamflow simulations compared to naturalized flows at the outlet of each watershed over a period of 16 years (1990 – 2005). Additionally, the models provided satisfactory results for simulating monthly streamflow at multiple sites nested within each watershed, which increased confidence in model parameterization and representation of dominant hydrologic processes. Results indicate that on an average annual basis, 55% – 65% of precipitation goes to evapotranspiration, and lateral flow contributes to between 64% and 82% of gross water yield. Results from future simulations over the course of the 21st century indicate inconsistent responses in streamflow to increasing temperature and variable precipitation projections. However, results did show consistency in the Yampa River basin, where 71 out of 112 future projections resulted in statistically significant (α<0.1) positive trends of average annual streamflow. Furthermore, all study basins exhibited a decreasing ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration from emissions scenario ensemble averages, which suggest Colorado basins will become more arid over the 21st century. Future forecasting of water availability in Colorado may benefit from this research, as specific climate projections were provided that resulted in consistent responses (increasing and decreasing) in streamflow across all watersheds. Implications of this study are considerable, as management of water resources, both within the state and across the West, will be affected by freshwater availability in headwater basins of Colorado in the future.

Evaluation of the Kipp and Zonen large aperture scintillometer for estimation of sensible heat flux over irrigated and non-irrigated fields in southeastern Colorado - Evan H. Rambikur; Chávez, José L.; Andales, Allan A.; Ham, Jay M.; Gates, Timothy K. (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
The aim of this work was to assess the performance of the Kipp and Zonen Large Aperture Scintillometer (LAS; Delft, Netherlands) to predict surface sensible heat flux (H). The LAS was introduced approximately 30 years ago and has been marketed as an indirect tool for the estimation of vegetation evapotranspiration (ET). Several tests have shown the LAS to be a fairly robust tool for prediction of H, both over homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces. However, the Kipp and Zonen LAS has been criticized for overestimation of H and for significant inter-sensor deviation in H. Field experiments were performed in 2011 using three Kipp and Zonen LAS units over two different surfaces to assess the accuracy and inter-sensor variability. Accuracy was evaluated based on reference measurements from eddy covariance (EC) instrumentation, which provides direct measurement of sensible and latent heat fluxes. Notably the EC method has been criticized for systematic underestimation of the sensible and/or latent heat flux, but is nonetheless a common tool used to validate LAS data. The first experimental test site was predominantly dry and uniform grassland located near Timpas, CO. At this site, all three LAS units were deployed together for some time in order to assess inter-sensor variability and an EC system was installed for some duration of the LAS deployment. The EC system was subsequently moved to the second site, which was the Colorado State University (CSU) Arkansas Valley Research Center (AVRC) near Rocky Ford, CO. At the AVRC, one LAS unit was set up over irrigated alfalfa. Results from the inter-LAS comparison suggested that there may be some inherent variability between 6-11% in LAS-predicted H (HLAS) and that the physical alignment of the LAS is critical for maintaining good performance. Testing different methods for estimation of the friction velocity (u*) variable revealed bias between the logarithmic wind profile (LWP) result and the EC measurement. Linear regression slopes between 0.94 and 1.35 were found for HLAS with respect to EC-derived H (HEC) for the Timpas site - dependent on the LAS unit, the LAS alignment, and the u* method. The overall conclusion was that HLAS was reasonably accurate, partially due to the potential of HEC being underestimated on the basis of lack of energy balance closure. For the CSU AVRC (irrigated) site, HLAS was generally observed to be greater than HLAS by 20-30%. However, heat flux source area differences between the LAS and EC units may have contributed to some of the observed biases. Further, the overall conclusion of reasonable accuracy of HLAS was made, again partially due to potential for H underestimation by the EC system. It is recommended, nonetheless, for future applications to calibrate the Kipp and Zonen LAS to a reliable reference on the basis of observed inter-sensor variability. Further, the benefit of the LAS is judged to be higher for a scenario of limited or no irrigation than for one of full irrigation, since the contribution of H to the overall energy balance would be relatively small for a full irrigation scenario.

The opposite of 'whole': groundwater dependence in a rural agricultural community in Colorado - Kelsea MacIlroy; Taylor, Peter L.; Cross, Jeni; Cheng, Tony (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
As the American West faces increasing water demands and decreased access and flows due to the effects of climate change, increasing populations, and pollution it is more important than ever to examine governance structures of common pool resources like groundwater. In the San Luis Valley of south-central Colorado, the community's dependence on this resource has been concealed by the hiddenness of groundwater, which also obscured its role in shaping agriculture, expansion in farmland, and social structure in the Valley. This unsustainable use of groundwater--the opposite of 'whole'--made a 'tragedy of the commons' possible. In response, a local water management organization spearheaded a groundwater management plan with a main goal to preserve as many livelihoods as possible. Similar to other natural resource dependent communities, subdistrict #1 provides a case study of how a community is responding to their overuse through collective action. Support and opposition for this plan stems from different perceptions among community members influenced by their legal, geographical and social relationships with water and ability to access it; perceptions of who bears the responsibility for solving the issue of overdraft; perceptions of the state of the local farming based economy and community; and perceptions of the future of agriculture in the Valley. This case study relies on in-depth interviews with 25 people and participant observation. Critiquing Ostrom's (1990) framework for behavioral choice, this study finds that social vulnerability is unevenly distributed and thus, in order to return the aquifer to a sustainable level, there cannot be just one solution to the problem.

Road impacts on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado, with emphasis on effects to surface- and shallow ground-water hydrology - A literature review - D. C. Andersen (Antarctica A Keystone in a Changing World, 2007)
A review of published research on unpaved road effects on surface-water and shallow ground-water hydrology was undertaken to assist the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado, in understanding factors potentially influencing refuge ecology. Few studies were found that addressed hydrological effects of roads on a comparable area of shallow slope in a semiarid region. No study dealt with road effects on surface- and ground-water supplies to ephemeral wetlands, which on the refuge are sustained by seasonal snowmelt in neighboring mountains. Road surfaces increase runoff, reduce infiltration, and serve as a sediment source. Roadbeds can interfere with normal surface- and ground-water flows and thereby influence the quantity, timing, and duration of water movement both across landscapes and through the soil. Hydrologic effects can be localized near the road as well as widespread and distant. The number, arrangement, and effectiveness of road-drainage structures (culverts and other devices) largely determine the level of hydrologic alteration produced by a road. Undesirable changes to natural hydrologic patterns can be minimized by considering potential impacts during road design, construction, and maintenance. Road removal as a means to restore desirable hydrologic conditions to landscapes adversely affected by roads has yet to be rigorously evaluated.

Equipping Selected Ministers In The Arkansas Valley Baptist Association, Colorado, To Apply Missional Church Development Components To Their Ministry Contexts - Frank W. CORNELIUS (2007)

Epidemiological, physiological and genetic risk factors associated with congestive heart failure and mean pulmonary arterial pressure in cattle - Joseph Neary; Garry, Franklyn; Thomas, Milton; Orton, Christopher; Enns, Mark; Meiman, Paul; Holt, Timothy (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
Congestive heart failure, secondary to pulmonary hypertension, has historically been considered a disease associated with high altitude exposure. The disease was first reported to occur at altitudes over 2,440 m (8,000 ft.) and so became known as "high altitude disease". One common clinical sign due to congestive heart failure in cattle is swelling of the brisket. Consequently, the disease also became known as "brisket disease". In more recent years, congestive heart failure has been reported to occur in both beef and dairy cattle at a more moderate altitude of 1,600 m. Anecdotal reports from cattle producers in Nebraska, Colorado and Texas suggest that the incidence of congestive heart failure may be increasing. This suggests that bovine congestive heart failure is not strictly a disease of high altitude exposure. Anatomical studies of cattle indicate that cattle have a smaller lung volume and alveolar surface area available for gas exchange than mammals with similar body masses and oxygen requirements. This may be because selection for increased growth rate, and other traits of high production, increases metabolic oxygen demand. The overarching hypothesis of this doctoral dissertation was that congestive heart failure secondary to pulmonary hypertension is not strictly a disease of high altitude but, a multifactorial disease, that is also associated with physiological traits that increase metabolic oxygen demand relative to oxygen supply via the cardiopulmonary system. The goal of this doctoral dissertation was to identify epidemiological, physiological and genetic risk factors associated with congestive heart failure and increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure in cattle. The results of this dissertation indicate that pulmonary arterial pressures of cattle are substantially higher than other mammalian species. Among pre-weaned calves, mean pulmonary arterial pressures increased significantly with age even at the moderate altitude of 1,470 m. As hypothesized, high oxygen demand relative to supply was positively associated with mean pulmonary arterial pressure in both pre-weaned calves at high altitude (2,170 m) and feedlot cattle at moderate altitudes (1,300 m). A study of 10 Canadian feedlots indicated that the risk of congestive heart failure increased from the year 2000 to the year 2012. The risk of congestive heart failure increased more than the underlying change in the risk of digestive disorders. Death from congestive heart failure occurred throughout the feeding period but typically occurred late in the feeding period, which makes this disease particularly costly to the feedlot industry. Treatment for respiratory disease was a significant risk factor for CHF. Increased growth rate and increased feed efficiency were risk factors for increased mean pulmonary arterial pressure in cattle. Mean pulmonary arterial pressures were significantly higher at the end of the confined feeding period at moderate altitude (1,300 m) than in pre-weaned calves at high altitude (2,170 m). Growth promotion through a steroid implant containing estradiol and trenbolone acetate did not significantly increase mean pulmonary arterial pressure as hypothesized. However, diastolic pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly lower than non-implanted controls, which suggests that one or both of these steroid hormones has cardio-pulmonary protective effects. Genome-wide association analyses of mean pulmonary arterial pressure and traits physiologically associated with mean pulmonary arterial pressures among calves at 4 and 6 months of age did not identify any concordant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However, multiple SNPs were identified to be associated with mean and systolic pulmonary arterial pressures that have been associated with pulmonary hypertension in humans or have a plausible biological role in the development of pulmonary hypertension. In conclusion, the results of these investigations provide evidence to suggest that congestive heart failure of cattle is a multifactorial disease that is exacerbated by high altitude exposure.

Origins and movements of invasive piscivores determined from otolith isotopic markers - Brian A. Wolff; Johnson, Brett; Sanford, William; Sanford, William (Digital Collections of Colorado (Colorado State University), 2007)
I examined the utility of the strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) ratio in fish otoliths to determine the origins and movements of invasive piscivores in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB). My goal was to determine if invasive piscivores entered riverine habitat of endangered fishes in the UCRB by escaping from reservoirs, and if so, determine their likely origins. Fishes were collected from 14 reservoirs and rivers directly downstream. My objectives were to examine the distinctiveness of 87Sr/86Sr ratios from fishes in different reservoirs, and temporal stability and interspecies variability of 87Sr/86Sr ratios of fishes within reservoirs. Variance components analysis and model selection using an information theoretic approach were used to rank relative importance of reservoir location, species and year on 87Sr/86Sr ratios. My results showed that in most cases 87Sr/86Sr ratios were unique across reservoirs, overlapped among species in a given reservoir, and were temporally stable across years. I was able to identify the likely reservoir of origin of river-caught fish, and I was able to determine, in some cases, the year of escapement. Overall, my results demonstrate the utility of 87Sr/86Sr ratios for tracking fish movement and origin in river-reservoir systems and provide important insights into processes that affect escapement risk such as dam operations, weather conditions, fish behavior and fish physiology. Analysis of stable isotopes hydrogen (δ2H), carbon (δ13C), and oxygen (δ18O) were performed on a sub-set of otoliths from the 87Sr/86Sr ratio analysis to determine if additional markers aid in discriminating between groups, particularly when 87Sr/86Sr ratios are similar among different locations. A canonical discriminant function analysis was used to visually differentiate different locations using natural isotopes. These results showed that δ13C and δ18O provide very useful separation among different groups, particularly when in conjunction with 87Sr/86Sr ratios.

The extent of variation in male song, wing and genital characters among allopatric Drosophila montana populations - J. Routtu; D. Mazzi; K. Van Der Linde; P. M. Mirol; R. K. Butlin; A. Hoikkala (Journal Compilation of European Society for Evolutionary Biology, 2007)
Abstract Drosophila montana, a species of the Drosophila virilis group, has distributed around the northern hemisphere. Phylogeographic analyses of two North American and one Eurasian population of this species offer a good background for the studies on the extent of variation in phenotypic traits between populations as well as for tracing the selection pressures likely to play a role in character divergence. In the present paper, we studied variation in the male courtship song, wing and genital characters among flies from Colorado (USA), Vancouver (Canada) and Oulanka (Finland) populations. The phenotypic divergence among populations did not coincide with the extent of their genetic divergence, suggesting that the characters are not evolving neutrally. Divergence in phenotypic traits was especially high between the Colorado and Vancouver populations, which are closer to each other in terms of their mtDNA genotypes than they are to the Oulanka population. The males of the Colorado population showed high divergence especially in song traits and the males of the Vancouver population in wing characters. Among the male song traits, two characters known to be under sexual selection and a trait important in species recognition differed clearly between populations, implying a history of directional and/or diversifying rather than balancing selection. The population divergence in wing characters is likely to have been enhanced by natural selection associated with environmental factors, whereas the male genitalia traits may have been influenced by sexual selection and/or sexual conflict.

The effect of hemosporidian infections on white-crowned sparrow singing behavior - S. M. Gilman; Daniel T. Blumstein; J. Foufopoulos (Ethology, 2007)
AbstractRelatively little is known about the effects of specific parasites on sexually selected behavioral traits. We subjected free‐living mountain white‐crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) to a playback experiment to identify the effect of hemosporidian parasites on potentially sexually selected song characteristics. We recorded song after a playback of a novel white‐crowned sparrow song, meant to simulate a territorial intrusion. Infections withLeucocytozoonorPlasmodiuminfluenced singing behavior, while infection withHaemoproteushad no detectable effect. Specifically, song consistency, as measured using a spectrogram correlation, was influenced by bothPlasmodiumandLeucocytozooninfection. Additionally, birds infected withPlasmodiumsang fewer songs following experimental playback. Thus, relatively widespread parasites, likePlasmodium, may have a strong effect on potentially sexually selected song characteristics.

Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on avian distribution, reproduction, and physiology. - M. S. Dietz (Deep Blue (University of Michigan), 2006)
As human population and concomitant development increase, human-caused disturbances play an ever larger role in the fitness of wildlife. An increasing number of studies have implicated anthropogenic disturbance in having harmful effects on birds and other wildlife. Most studies, however, concentrate solely on behavioral changes, including fleeing, change in feeding habits, and shifts in habitat use. Few studies have investigated physiological changes or show a clear link between disturbances and reproductive success. I investigated the effects of road traffic and pedestrian disturbance on the distribution, physiology, and reproductive success of birds (with a focus on White-crowned Sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) near the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab in Gothic, Colorado, U.S.A. I conducted 116 point count surveys of breeding birds along a 12 km stretch of an unpaved Forest Service road. Independent of habitat type, the road had a significant effect on the overall number of individual birds (50% more individuals far from the road) that have established breeding territories. The number of species that have higher occurrence rates far from the road was also significantly higher than close to the road. I found and monitored 152 White-crowned Sparrow nests over three years and captured 123 wild sparrows for standardized stress series experiments. I found that the road has a substantial impact on reproductive success primarily due to high rates of nest desertion near the road. I also found that the magnitude of the stress response of male sparrows subjected to an experimental stressor in the field was related to distance to the road and showed an inverse pattern to that of nest success. I also subjected a small number of sparrow nests to an intrusion experiment that consisted of walking in a straight line near the nest four times a day for 15 minutes each time. Sparrow pairs at undisturbed nests were 2.5 times more likely to fledge nestlings successfully than those at disturbed nests. This research will help managers to quantify the effects of human disturbance and to predict the impacts of land-management decisions.

Olfactory predator discrimination in yellow-bellied marmots - M. Luterra (2006)
Many species of mammals have been shown to modify their behavior in response to olfactory cues of predator presence, but few studies have attempted to directly compare responses to different predators. In this study, we assessed the response of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) to the urine of two common predators, coyote (Canis latrans) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). We presented marmots with pairs of baited scent stations and recorded all behaviors within 0.5 m of the stations for one minute. We found that marmots sniff more and spend less time looking near predator urine relative to herbivore urine. When fox and coyote urine were presented together, no significant differences in behaviors were detected, although moderate to large effect sizes indicated a pattern of less time looking and more time foraging near the urine of coyote, a riskier predator. Marmots appear to respond to predator odors by trading off predator detection for reduced visibility and reduced exposure time. We cannot conclude that olfactory predator recognition is species-specific in yellow-bellied marmots, although a larger sample size may reveal an effect.

The Effects of Soil Nitrogen Availability on Plant Reproduction and Solitary Bee Behavior - K. L. Senkyr (2006)
Changes in nitrogen availability can alter plant community structure, composition, and abundance as well as higher order interactions. The goal of this study is to investigate the relationships between soil nitrogen, plant reproductive success, and solitary bee behavior and reproduction. Three different nitrogen treatments were applied to plots in subalpine meadows at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. First, comparisons of female plant fitness among the nitrogen treatments were estimated using stigma pollen receipt in Campanula rotundiflora, Helianthella quinquenervis, Lathyrus leucanthus, and Vicia americana. Lathyrus leucanthus received significantly more pollen in plots receiving no nitrogen than in those receiving high or low treatments. Second, pollen transport among the plots was estimated using fluorescent dyes. No relationship was found between nitrogen treatment and frequency of dye/pollen transport. Finally, solitary bee nesting boxes were placed in the field to collect information on solitary bee reproduction and behavior, but were used too infrequently by the bees to provide significant data. Further research is needed to better understand plant-pollinator interactions in this nutrient limited system.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ASPEN HEARTWOOD ROT AND THE LOCATION OF CAVITY EXCAVATION BY A PRIMARY CAVITY-NESTER, THE RED-NAPED SAPSUCKER - N. Losin; C. H. Floyd; T. Schweitzer; S. Keller (The Condor, 2006)
Abstract We investigated nest-hole excavation by the Red-naped Sapsucker (Syphrapicus nuchalis) in aspen (Populus tremuloides) woodlands in western Colorado. Sapsuckers excavate nest cavities primarily in aspens infected with a heartwood rot fungus (Phellinus tremulae), which softens the heartwood of infected trees. We assessed the interior condition of fungus-infected aspen trunks by extracting wood samples with an increment corer to determine whether sapsuckers chose nest-hole locations based on the extent of healthy sapwood remaining. Comparing fungus-infected trees with and without cavities, cavity-bearing trees had thinner healthy sapwood. The depth of healthy sapwood also varied with compass direction, being thinnest on the south sides of fungus-infected aspens. Cavity entrance orientations were significantly biased to the south-southeast, corresponding with the directional bias in heartwood rot. These results suggest that the depth of healthy sapwood, and hence excavation effort, may be important in determining nest hole location for the Red-naped Sapsucker.

Delayed population explosion of an introduced butterfly - C. L. Boggs; C. E. Holdren; I. G. Kulahci; T. C. Bonebrake; B. D. Inouye; J. P. Fay; A. McMillian; E. H. Williams; P. R. Ehrlich (Journal of Animal Ecology, 2006)
Summary The causes of lagged population and geographical range expansions after species introductions are poorly understood, and there are relatively few detailed case studies. We document the 29‐year history of population dynamics and structure for a population of Euphydryas gillettii Barnes that was introduced to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, USA in 1977. The population size remained low (< 200 individuals) and confined to a single habitat patch (∼2·25 ha) to 1998. These values are similar to those of many other populations within the natural geographical range of the species. However, by 2002 the population increased dramatically to > 3000 individuals and covered ∼70 ha, nearly all to the south of the original site. The direction of population expansion was the same as that of predominant winds. By 2004, the butterfly's local distribution had retracted mainly to three habitat patches. It thus exhibited a ‘surge/contraction’ form of population growth. Searches within 15 km of the original site yielded no other new populations. In 2005, butterfly numbers crashed, but all three habitat patches remained occupied. The populations within each patch did not decrease in the same proportions, suggesting independent dynamics that are characteristic of metapopulations. We postulate that this behaviour results, in this species, in establishment of satellite populations and, given appropriate habitat structure, may result in lagged or punctuated expansions of introduced populations.

Revegetation after disturbance in high-altitude meadow ecosystems - H. Beeson (2006)
Restoration Ecology is the science of techniques in which environmental degradation can be reversed and the previously existing ecosystems can be reestablished. Revegetation is a common restoration technique and I chose to investigate whether it could be applied to disturbed areas in high-altitude meadow ecosystems in Gothic, Colorado. I transplanted 100 plants, 20 of each of five native species: Potentilla gracilis, Linum lewisii, Fragaria virginiana, Erigeron speciosus, and Achilea millefolium and tested the effect of varying amounts of sunlight, plant size prior to transplant, and species on the development of new growth and reproductive success. I found that the best species for future revegetation projects are Erigeron speciosus and Fragaria virginiana and that, although Achillea and Potentilla were fairly successful at developing new growth and flowers, they might benefit more from reseeding as a restoration technique. I also surveyed plant communities in previously disturbed areas and found no relationship between plant diversity and time since disturbance and a marginally significant positive relationship between invasive plant cover and time since disturbance. 1

Flight Performance and Competitive Displacement of Hummingbirds across Elevational Gradients - D. L. Altshuler (American Naturalist, 2006)
Hummingbirds, with their impressive flight ability and competitive aerial contests, make ideal candidates for applying a mechanistic approach to studying community structure. Because flight costs are influenced by abiotic factors that change systematically with altitude, elevational gradients provide natural experiments for hummingbird flight ecology. Prior attempts relied on wing disc loading (WDL) as a morphological surrogate for flight performance, but recent analyses indicate this variable does not influence either territorial behavior or competitive ability. Aerodynamic power, by contrast, can be derived from direct measurements of performance and, like WDL, declines across elevations. Here, I demonstrate for a diverse community of Andean hummingbirds that burst aerodynamic power is associated with territorial behavior. Along a second elevational gradient in Colorado, I tested for correlated changes in aerodynamic power and competitive ability in two territorial hummingbirds. This behavioral analysis revealed that short‐winged Selasphorus rufus males are dominant over long‐winged Selasphorus platycercus males at low elevations but that the roles are reversed at higher elevations. Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that the burst rather than sustained aerodynamic performance mediates competitive ability at high elevation. A minimum value for burst power may be required for successful competition, but other maneuverability features gain importance when all competitors have sufficient muscle power, as occurs at low elevations.

Self-sterility in Ipomopsis aggregata (Polemoniaceae) is due to prezygotic ovule degeneration - T. L. Sage; Mary V. Price; Nickolas M. Waser (American Journal of Botany, 2006)
Based on previous studies, extreme (>99%) self‐sterility in scarlet gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata) appears to be involved in late‐acting ovarian self‐incompatibility (OSI). Here, we confirm this suggestion by comparing structural events that follow from cross‐ vs. self‐pollinations of I. aggregata. Growth of cross‐ and self‐pollen tubes in the style at 11 h and growth in the ovary at 24 h was equivalent. Nonetheless, by 24 h, cross‐pollen effected a significantly higher percentage of both ovule penetration and fertilization. Ovules in self‐pollinated flowers showed pronounced changes, including an absence of embryo sac expansion and reduced starch in the integument, by 11 h post‐pollination, well before pollen tube entry into the ovary. In addition, the integumentary tapetum and adjacent 1–3 cell layers exhibited abnormal cell division, pronounced deposition of thick, pectin‐rich cell walls, and cellular collapse. Ovules and embryo sacs from cross‐pollinated flowers rarely showed such features. Developmental changes in ovules from self‐pollinated flowers eventually resulted in integument and embryo sac collapse, a process not observed in ovules of unpollinated flowers. We suggest that OSI involves long‐distance signaling between self‐pollen or self‐pollen tubes and carpel tissue that reduces availability of receptive ovules for fertilization before pollen tubes arrive in the ovary.

Resource value affects territorial defense by Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds - A. F. Camfield (Journal of Field Ornithology, 2006)
ABSTRACT Territorial behavior of Broad-tailed (Selasphorous platycercus) and Rufous (Selasphorous rufus) hummingbirds in Colorado was measured at sites with feeders containing10%, 20%, and 30% sucrose solutions, respectively. The presence or absence of territory holders, number of intruders, and intensity of defense were measured at the three levels of energy availability. Migrating Rufous Hummingbirds displaced Broad-tailed Hummingbirds from territories they had defended during the breeding season; Broad-tailed Hummingbirds then defended only lower quality sites. Both Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds employed more energetically expensive behaviors when defending high quality sites, with longer chases more often supplemented with chip calls and hovering. Other investigators have suggested that chip calls and hovering are precursors to a chase. However, I found that chasing was the default response to the presence of an intruder. Chip calls and hovering were added to intensify a chase. In the few cases where chip calls were uttered or hovering occurred without a chase, Rufous Hummingbirds were more likely to exhibit this behavior than Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. La conducta territorial de los zumbadores Selasphorous platycercus y S. rufus fue medida en dos localidades de Colorado, en donde se les proveyó a las aves con libadores artificiales que contenían concentraciones de 10%, 20% y 30% de azúcar. La presencia o ausencia de individuos que establecieron un territorio, número de intrusos y la defensa del territorio fue medido en los tres niveles de disponibilidad de fuentes de energía. Individuos migratorios de S. rufus desplazaron a individuos de la segunda especie que habían defendido dichos territorios durante la época de reproducción. S. platycercus se dedicó a defender lugares de poca calidad. Ambas especies de zumbadores emplearon conducta más agresiva y de mayor gasto energético, como persecuciones más prolongadas y uso de sonidos, cuando defendieron lugares con alta calidad. Algunos estudios han encontrado que previo a una persecución, los zumbadores producen sonidos con sus alas y otros vocales. Sin embargo, encontré que la persecución era la respuesta inmediata a la presencia de un intruso. Los sonidos eran añadidos como medio de intensificación de la persecución. En la minoría de los casos en donde los sonidos se produjeron sin que hubiera una persecución, se encontró que S. rufus fue más propenso a utilizar esta conducta que S. platycercus.

Physiological and Morphological Changes in Ipomopsis aggregata Along an Elevational Gradient - Z. M. Turner (2006)
Changes in the morphology and physiology of Ipomopsis aggregata and changes in en- vironment were assessed along a roughly 1000 m elevation gradient at seven sites in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. Sites at the ends of the gradient had the lowest soil moisture, the lowest two being in sagebrush scrub land and the highest on rocky alpine talus. Soil moisture decreases for the highest five sites but is intermediate for the lowest two sites. Minimum temperatures and relative humidity decreased with altitude. I. aggregata showed significant changes in leaf structure, glutathione reductase activity and water use efficiency which correlate best with elevation. Plants at higher elevations had larger leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA) and higher water content. Stomatal density declined at both ends of the gradient. Leaf hair density was very high at the low desert-like site but otherwise increased significantly with elevation. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was very high at the second lowest site but low at the lowest, even though both sites should experience similar drought stress. GR activity increased significantly for the higher five sites. Photo- synthetic rates were similar between all sites measured but transpiration was significantly lower at the lower and drier site compared to the higher sites. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher at the lower site compared to the higher sites. Overall, I. aggregata does not appear to be experiencing increasing environmental stress with increasing elevation and in fact seems to thrive at high elevation sites. 1

The green-veined white (Pieris napi L.), its Pierine relatives, and the systematics of divergent character sets (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) - F. S. Chew; W. B. Watt (Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006)
The butterfly Pieris napi (L.) and relatives exemplify recently evolving taxa, exhibiting variation that makes their evolutionary dynamics interesting, but their systematics difficult. Wing-pattern characters commonly used to distinguish these Holarctic insects display both genetic polymorphism and environmentally-cued polyphenism. Often, these causes of variation are confounded, impairing the characters' phylogenetic usefulness. DNA sequences of four mitochondrial genes offer an independent view of pierine phylogeny. Sampling diverse relatives within family Pieridae assists resolution of the P. napi complex, suggests previous underestimation of clade diversity in subfamily Pierinae, and shows that other genera near Pieris also display confusions of wing-pattern-based phylogenetic inference. The European P. napi is sister to all North American taxa, and is well diverged from them all in sequences. The North American taxa comprise a northern subclade including Pieris oleracea, and questionably distinct Pieris'angelika', and a southern subclade including distinct Pieris virginiensis, Pieris marginalis, and Pieris macdunnoughii, and other regional entities yet to be clarified. Weak bootstrap support for some nodes in this group arises from a closeness of sequence identity rather than character conflict; more sequence data and denser geographical sampling may resolve these nodes more clearly. Evidence of reproductive isolation, from other experimental hybridization studies, agrees with the DNA results where these conflict with other divergent character sets. The system offers much promise for a deeper understanding of character evolution in relation to phyletic differentiation.

Emergence cues of a mayfly in a high-altitude stream ecosystem: Potential response to climate change - M. P. Harper; B. L. Peckarsky (Ecological Applications, 2006)
To understand the consequences of human accelerated environmental change, it is important to document the effects on natural populations of an increasing frequency of extreme climatic events. In stream ecosystems, recent climate change has resulted in extreme variation in both thermal and hydrological regimes. From 2001 to 2004, a severe drought in western United States corresponded with earlier emergence of the adult stage of the high-altitude stream mayfly, Baetis bicaudatus. Using a long-term database from a western Colorado stream, the peak emergence date of this mayfly population was predicted by both the magnitude and date of peak stream flow, and by the mean daily water temperature, suggesting that Baetis may respond to declining stream flow or increasing water temperature as proximate cues for early metamorphosis. However, in a one-year survey of multiple streams from the same drainage basin, only water temperature predicted spatial variation in the onset of emergence of this mayfly. To decouple the effects of temperature and flow, we separately manipulated these factors in flow-through microcosms and measured the timing of B. bicaudatus metamorphosis to the adult stage. Mayflies emerged sooner in a warmed-water treatment than an ambient-water treatment; but reducing flow did not accelerate the onset of mayfly emergence. Nonetheless, using warming temperatures to cue metamorphosis enables mayflies to time their emergence during the descending limb of the hydrograph when oviposition sites (protruding rocks) are becoming available. We speculate that large-scale climate changes involving warming and stream drying could cause significant shifts in the timing of mayfly metamorphosis, thereby having negative effects on populations that play an important role in stream ecosystems.

Tactics for male reproductive success in plants: contrasting insights of sex allocation theory and pollen presentation theory - J. D. Thomson (Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2006)
The basic tenet of sex allocation theory is that an organism's reproductive success, through either male or female function, can be represented as a sex-specific, monotonic, increasing function of the organism's investment of resources in that function. The shapes of these curves determine what patterns of resource allocation can be evolutionarily stable. Although SA theory has stimulated creative thinking about plant sexual tactics, quantifying the shapes of male and female gain curves has proven so difficult that other approaches must be considered. I contrast sex allocation theory to a different, emerging viewpoint, pollen presentation theory (PPT), which attempts to address variation in reproductive success by measuring and modeling the quantitative fates of pollen grains. Models suggest that RS through male function depends heavily on the packaging and gradual dispensing of pollen to pollinators, even with the amount of investment held constant. Many plants do deploy pollen gradually, through morphological and "behavioral" mechanisms that range from obvious to subtle. They may thereby influence many aspects of the evolution of sexual modes in plants, including transitions between dioecy and cosexuality. After reviewing the main implications of the models, I discuss recent work aimed at testing some key assumptions and predictions by functional and comparative studies in the genus Penstemon. Species of Penstemon conform to PPT predictions that bee-adapted flowers will restrict per-visit pollen availability more than hummingbird-adapted flowers.

The Reserved Rights Doctrine: Case Study Involving Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Roderick E. Walston (Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education, 2006)
Supreme Court has developed a legal doctrine -the "

Cliff Attributes and Bird Communities in Jefferson County, Colorado - Liza Graham Rossi; Richard L. Knight (Natural Areas Journal, 2006)
Bird communities associated with differing cliff variables in Jefferson County, Colorado, were sampled using point counts. Species-specific density estimates and community diversity values were compared among four cliff types: small cliffs, medium cliffs, large cliffs, and non-cliff sites. A model selection was run to determine if cliff variables were associated with changes in species richness. Cliff variables included cliff height, cliff length, cliff verticality, cliff surface roughness, and distance to the nearest cliff. None of the cliff variables were good predictors of variability in species richness. Although no differences existed for bird community diversity estimates, there were significant differences in densities among cliff types for particular bird species. The rock wren (Salpinctes obsoletus Say), canyon wren (Catherpes mexicanus Swainson), violet-green swallow (Tachycineta thalassina Swainson), and white-throated swift (Aeronautes saxatalis Woodhouse) were detected more frequently at the large cliffs than the other cliff types (the differences for the canyon wren were not statistically significant). Larger cliffs appear to be necessary for these cliff-obligate species.

This Land: A Guide to Central National Forests - Robert H. Mohlenbrock (2006)
Preface Introduction National Forests in Arkansas Ouachita Ouachita Mountains Border Lands Ozark Alum Cove Blanchard Springs Magazine Mountain St. Francis Crowley's Ridge National Forests in Colorado Arapaho Hoosier Pass Elk Park Grand Mesa Grand Mesa Gunnison Slumgullion Slide Taylor River Pike Rio Grande Roosevelt Long Lake Fens Routt San Isabel Twin Peaks San Juan Umcompahgre White River Flat Tops National Forests in Louisiana Kisatchie Kisatchie Hills National Forests in Minnesota Chippewa Superior National Forests in Missouri Mark Twain Grasshopper Hollow Cupola Pond Kaintuck Hollow Slaughter Sink Indian Creek Hercules Glade National Forests in Montana Beaverhead - Deerlodge Flathead Gallatin Tom Miner Basin Helena Kootenai Lewis and Clark Lolo Sheep Mountain Bog National Forests in Nebraska Nebraska Samuel R. McKelvie National Forests in New Mexico Carson Clayton Pass Cibola Sandia Cienega Tajique Canyon Paxton Cone Gila Lincoln Santa Fe Canada Bonito Rio Cebolla National Forests in South Dakota Black Hills Black Hills National Forests in Texas Angelina Boykin Springs Longleaf Black Branch Barrens Davy Crockett Sabine Mill Creek Cove Sam Houston Big Thicket National Forests in Wyoming Bighorn Medicine Wheel Bridger - Teton Kendall Warm Springs Periodic Spring Custer Medicine Bow Shoshone

Potential Water Augmentation from Cloud Seeding in the Colorado River Basin - Steven M Hunter (The Journal of Weather Modification, 2006)
A spatially-distributed snow energy and mass balance model, updated with all available snowpack observations, is used to assess the potential for water augmentation by winter orographic cloud seeding in the Colorado River Basin. The modeling system outputs snow water equivalent (SWE) on a 1 km grid throughout the continental United States. The April 1 SWE from the last two years are horizontally integrated across existing and potential seeding target areas in the basin and multiplied by approximately 0.1 to calculate water yields from an assumed seeding-induced increase of 10 percent. Major uncertainties in this method, including snowpack ablation and target area selection, are described. Given those uncertainties, it is estimated that in an average precipitation year, about one million acre-feet of additional snowpack water could be produced by seeding. Somewhat more could be produced in a wet year and about 500,000 acre-feet in a dry year. These figures are reasonably close to those from older studies of augmentation potential in the basin.

Hybridization and pollinator behavior in Castilleja (Orobanchaceae) - H. Heartsun (2006)
Hybridization between interspecific angiosperms is common, yet the initial stages are rare (REF- is this even true????). One of the factors that aeffects the rate of hybridization is the behavior of pollinators responsible for transferring pollen and fertilizing the flowers – only for some plants. Pollinator behavior can facilitate assortative or disassortative mating. We studied pollinator behavior using artificial floral arrays to see if the presence of hybrids in an area changed – we actually did not look at this since we didn’t do arrays w/o hybrids- the patterns of movement and proportion of time spent on certain flowers. We also performed hand-crossings to study hybrid fertility. Hybrids set fruit in combination with parent species and other hybrids. Pollinators generally lacked constancy in areas with hybrids- don’t really have a basis for this since only did it in areas with hybrids-. Disassortative pollen transfer could result in the production of hybrid offspring (do you mean later generations?), increasing the rate of hybridization in the area.

The effects of slope orientation and temperature upon activity of the north american pika, Ochotona princeps - C. J. Ochiagha (2006)
In the face of global climate change, it is important to know how ecosystems will be affected so that conservation efforts may be more successful. In mountainous regions, effects of climate change may be especially pronounced due to steep elevation gradients and specific habitat requirements. The North American pika, Ochotona princeps, is highly sensitive to warming climates and may be a keystone species in many of the areas it is found. I asked how temperature affected the activity of pikas and how the orientation of the talus slopes they live in affected temperature. I found that more pikas are active in cooler temperatures of early morning than later in the day when it is warmer. Also, north facing study sites started out cooler in the morning than south facing study sites but became warmer than the south facing sites later in the morning. These results suggest that pikas are sensitive to warmer temperatures and also show how effects other than direct solar radiation, such as air currents, can result in heterogeneous heating of mountainous landscapes.

Are native bees picky enough? The effect of an invasive plant, Linaria vulgaris, on the foraging of native bee pollinators - R. Ruppel (2006)
Invasive and native plant interactions are well studied, but the influence of invasive plants on native pollination systems is largely ignored. Native pollinators, specifically bees, feed their young with pollen and nectar they harvest from plants. An invasive plant could greatly augment the foraging patterns of the bees, especially if the plant has large nectar and pollen rewards. In 2004 and 2006, pollen balls were collected from Bombus appositus and analyzed to determine pollen composition. In 2004, 28.1% of the pollen found in Bombus appositus pollen balls was Delphinum barbeyi, and 24.9% of the pollen came from the invasive species, Linaria vulgaris. In 2006, 98.3% of the pollen in Bombus appositus pollen balls was from Linaria vulgaris, and only 1.5% was Delphinum barbeyi. Preliminarily, from the changes in proportions of pollen species found in pollen balls it is possible that Linaria vulgaris, the invasive species, is causing bees to change their foraging patterns between years.

COLORADO PIKEMINNOW (PTYCHOCHEILUS LUCIUS) UPSTREAM OF CRITICAL HABITAT IN THE YAMPA RIVER, COLORADO - Sam T. Finney (The Southwestern Naturalist, 2006)
The Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) is a federally endangered fish, which was once abundant and widespread in the Colorado River basin. During exotic fish removal sampling in the spring of 2003, 2004, and 2005, 2 Colorado pikeminnow were collected upstream of critical habitat in the Yampa River, Colorado. Collection of these specimens might be an artifact of low historical sampling effort, but they do serve to document potential habitat use of Colorado pikeminnow outside of critical habitat.

Three Proterozoic Orogenic Episodes and an Intervening Exhumation Event in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Region, Colorado - Micah J. Jessup; James V. Jones III; Karl E. Karlstrom; M. C. Williams; James N. Connelly; Michael T. Heizler (The Journal of Geology, 2006)
U/Pb zircon/titanite geochronology, in situ monazite geochronology, and 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology provide an unusually complete data set for reconstructing the tectonic history of Proterozoic rocks exposed in the Black Canyon, Gunnison, Colorado. These new geochronologic data record three protracted orogenic episodes and an exhumation event between orogenic pulses: (1) Yavapai orogeny (1741–1689 Ma), (2) exhumation marked by an angular unconformity beneath post‐Yavapai, pre‐Mazatzal quartzites, (3) Mazatzal orogeny (postquartzite deposition), and (4) 1434–1403 Ma intracratonic tectonism. Supracrustal rocks of the Black Canyon succession were deposited or crystallized at or prior to $$1741± 4$$ Ma and were intruded by the $$1713± 2$$ Ma Pitts Meadow granodiorite. Paleoproterozoic high‐temperature metamorphism (>650°C) associated with the Yavapai orogeny occurred between 1741 and 1690 Ma. Deposition of interorogenic quartzites took place after ∼1700 Ma. The Vernal Mesa monzogranite was emplaced at $$1434± 2$$ Ma followed by metamorphism ($$\sim 600^{° }± 50^{° }$$ C and $$\sim 3± 1$$ kbar) at $$≤ 1403± 23$$ Ma. 40Ar/39Ar thermochronology records Mesoproterozoic middle crustal temperatures of 350°–500°C, with the highest temperatures occurring near the Vernal Mesa monzogranite and the NE‐striking Black Canyon shear zone. The area cooled through 350°C by ∼1385 Ma but variably cooled through 300°C from 1370 to 1100 Ma, suggesting long‐term residence of rocks above the 250°C isotherm at ∼10 km crustal depths. When these results are combined with geologic data to construct generalized pressure/temperature/time/deformation paths (PTtD), a new template for the evolution of Proterozoic rocks of southwestern Colorado and the southwestern United states emerges.

Research Article: A study of Bromus tectorum L. seed germination in the Gunnison Basin, Colorado - Caley Gasch; Robin Bingham (BIOS, 2006)
Bromus tectorum L. (Cheatgrass, Downy brome) is an invasive grass that has recently proliferated within the Gunnison Basin, Colorado. This study examined variation in germination in response to temperature, storage duration, and habitat. Four populations within the Gunnison Basin were sampled. Seeds were kept in dry storage for 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks and then incubated at four different temperature regimes. Seeds in storage for zero weeks had low percent germination, while seeds in storage for 16 weeks had high percent germination. The optimal temperature for germination was room temperature, while the least favorable temperature regime was 5:10 °C. Within these general patterns, significant differences were found among populations in percent germination, but the differences decreased as seeds after-ripened. Seeds that were chilled prior to germination tests at the 5:10 °C temperature regime showed enhanced germination compared to seeds that were not chilled. Similar to what has been found in other studies, delayed germination at high temperatures may be an adaptation to avoid early summer germination. However, in contrast to previous reports, significant lower percent germination of high elevation populations at low temperatures may reflect adaptation to more variable summer temperatures experienced by Gunnison Basin populations of B. tectorum.

(308) The Mesa County Colorado Irrigation Audit Program - Curtis E Swift; Ardith Blessinger (HortScience, 2006)
Seven and one-half square miles, or 4864 acres, of the Grand Valley in Western Colorado consists of high water-using landscapes. Overirrigation of Grand Valley soils flushes 580,000 tons of salt into the Colorado River each year. These salts negatively impact plant and animal health throughout the Colorado River basin. Proper watering of lawns can significantly reduce this problem. Correcting problems with a sprinkler irrigation system can reduce water use by an average of 40%. If water use on all 4864 acres was reduced by 40%, a savings of 11,187 acre feet, or over 3.6 billion gallons, of water would result. The annual historical evapotranspiration (ET) rate for the Grand Valley of Western is ≈61 inches; the ET rate during the irrigation season (April through October) is ≈49 inches. Since a typical sprinkler system is ≈70% efficient, in order to apply 49 inches of water to the soil, ≈70 inches of water is required. Irrigation system problems such as improperly spaced heads, sunken heads and heads not adjusted are typically responsible for 40% more water being applied than necessary. In Western Colorado, this equates to an over-application of 28 inches (2.3 acre feet) of water being applied each year. The 2005 Western Colorado irrigation audit problem covering 18.7 acres of turf. Assuming the problems noted were all corrected, a water savings of 43 acre feet, or 14,013,797 gallons, of water resulted. The 2006 audit program will continue this educational and water-saving effort. A grant from the Department of the Interior-Bureau of Reclamation will help fund the 2006 Irrigation Audit project.

An evaluation of MS-222 and benzocaine as anesthetics for metamorphic and paedomorphic tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum) - A. C. Crook; H. H. Whiteman (Amer Midl Nat, 2006)

Avalanche Size increase resulting from tree removal and wind loading- a case study from central Colorado using Aval-1D - A. I. Mears (2006)

Activity of American pikas, Ochotona princeps with respect to temperature along an elevational gradient - A. N. Chavez (2006)

Assessing Two Plant Leaf Functional Traits across a Temperature Gradient - R. S. Sleith (2006)
In this study we attempted to discover some of the possible plant responses to global climate change, to assess plant responses we used two plant leaf functional traits: leaf maximum assimilation rate of CO2 (Amax) and Specific Leaf Area (SLA). To evaluate increasing temperature we used a natural elevation gradient and an experimental warming meadow. We found that six of seven species showed a higher SLA with increased elevation. Amax did not respond to elevation in a universal pattern; 5 of 6 species had a higher Amax at lower elevations, but a larger sample of species found no trend: only 6/12 species had higher Amax values at lower elevations. The Warming Meadow heating had no effect on the SLA of six species and no effect on the Amax of six species. Only two species responded, Erigeron speciosus and Eriogonum subalpinum, but this response agreed with previous studies on the system. We conclude that the relatively short termed experimental warming had a small effect on plant leaf functional traits, but natural warming along an elevation gradient shows more variation. As products of this study we suggest further investigation of these traits and acceptance of plant response as an integral part of global climate change science.

The effects of climate change on subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) sapling growth and establishment success across an elevational gradient - T. R. Valentovich (2006)
With the current climate changes occurring globally, it is important to learn about how species distributions will react in the future. Questions have arisen as to whether species, including conifers, exist in a single or multiple climate envelopes which are described by their current distributions. This study aims to investigate this question with subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) as it occurs around Gothic, Gunnison Co., CO. Growth and establishment success were measured in 50 to 100 saplings in each of 11 populations across a climate gradient. Large variation was found among sites, suggesting that perhaps sites are reacting differentially to recent climate changes. It is not clear from this study whether subalpine fir trees are occupying a common climate envelope or if they are occurring in unique envelopes.

The making of a biologist: E.R. Warren and the boomtown of Gothic - J. C. Horn (Southwestern Lore, 2006)

Nectar robbing patterns in Ipomopsis aggregata and Linaria vulgaris - K. R. Bradley (2006)

Bottom-up mediation of an ant-membracid mutualism: effects from different host plants - J. Reithel; Ian Billick (Evolutionary Ecology, 2006)
Experimental manipulation of the presence of ants in two different years indicated that the existence of ants had a positive effect on nymph numbers on both host plants, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus and Wyethia spp, but not on WyethIA spp.

Selective oviposition by the mayfly Baetis bicaudatus - A. C. Encalada; B. L. Peckarsky (Oecologia, 2006)

Developing an evolutionary ecology of fear: how life history and natural history traits affect disturbance tolerance in birds - Daniel T. Blumstein (Animal Behaviour, 2006)
It is suggested that body size and age of first reproduction are important in explaining variation in disturbance tolerance in birds, and that species that capture live prey and those that are highly social are relatively wary.

Effects of patch quality and network structure on patch occupancy dynamics of a yellow-bellied marmot metapopulation - A. Ozgul; Kenneth B. Armitage; Daniel T. Blumstein; D. H. Van Vuren; M. K. Oli (Journal of Animal Ecology, 2006)
SummaryThe presence/absence of a species at a particular site is the simplest form of data that can be collected during ecological field studies. We used 13 years (1990–2002) of survey data to parameterize a stochastic patch occupancy model for a metapopulation of the yellow‐bellied marmot in Colorado, and investigated the significance of particular patches and the influence of site quality, network characteristics and regional stochasticity on the metapopulation persistence.Persistence of the yellow‐bellied marmot metapopulation was strongly dependent on the high quality colony sites, and persistence probability was highly sensitive to small changes in the quality of these sites.A relatively small number of colony sites was ultimately responsible for the regional persistence. However, lower quality satellite sites also made a significant contribution to long‐term metapopulation persistence, especially when regional stochasticity was high.The northern network of the marmot metapopulation was more stable compared to the southern network, and the persistence of the southern network depended heavily on the northern network.Although complex models of metapopulation dynamics may provide a more accurate description of metapopulation dynamics, such models are data‐intensive. Our study, one of the very few applications of stochastic patch occupancy models to a mammalian species, suggests that stochastic patch occupancy models can provide important insights into metapopulation dynamics using data that are easy to collect.

The timing of the ant-effect on nymph size and survivorship in an ant-treehopper mutualism - D. M. Erickson (2006)

Faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and alarm calling in free-living yellow-bellied marmots - Daniel T. Blumstein; M. L. Patton; W. Saltzman (Biology Letters, 2006)
Abstract When individuals of a variety of species encounter a potential predator, some, but not all, emit alarm calls. To explain the proximate basis of this variation, we compared faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in live-trapped yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) between occasions when they did and did not emit alarm calls. We found that marmots had significantly higher glucocorticoid levels when they called than when they did not call, suggesting that stress or arousal may play an important role in potentiating alarm calls. Marmots are sensitive to variation in the reliability of callers. The present finding provides one possible mechanism underlying caller variation: physiological arousal influences the propensity to emit alarm calls.

Methods in Stream Ecology - B. L. Peckarsky (2006)

Effect of predation risk on the presence and persistence of yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) colonies - Daniel T. Blumstein; A. Ozgul; V. Yovovich; D. H. Van Vuren; Kenneth B. Armitage (Journal of Zoology, London, 2006)
AbstractHabitat selection may have population level consequences and ultimately may influence a population's local persistence or extinction. We capitalized on a long‐term study (1962–2004) of yellow‐bellied marmotsMarmota flaviventrisin and around the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Gothic, Colorado, USA, and compared habitat characteristics associated with food availability and predation risk to explain variation in persistence of marmots at 27 sites, and their absence at 22 additional, randomly selected sites. We classified sites as persistent, intermittent or null based on whether there was a history of extinction; intermittent sites periodically went extinct and null sites never had marmots. Logistic regression analyses revealed that environmental variables associated with visibility and safety, rather than food, correctly classified sites as persistent or non‐persistent as well as persistent or intermittent. Discriminant function analysis that included the null sites revealed that the same visibility‐related characteristics predicted where marmots were found. These results highlight the importance of variation in safety among sites in predicting long‐term population persistence, as well as a species' distribution.

Shifts in plant dominance control short and long-term carbon-cycle responses to widespread drought - J. Harte; S. R. Saleska; T. Shih (2006)
Global climate change is predicted to increase the intensity and frequency of future drought, which in turn may be expected to induce a range of biogeochemical climate feedbacks. A combination of model simulations and observational studies of a recent wide-scale drought, suggested that the drought induced substantial terrestrial ecosystem carbon loss, but hypothesized mechanisms could not be evaluated via comparison to a control. Here, we investigated carbon-cycle responses to climate changes by combining results from a controlled 15-year ecosystem warming experiment in montane grassland with observational data from before and during the recent drought. We found that both experimental warming and real-world drought induced substantial soil carbon loss in our study system, and that the same mechanism, a drying-induced shift in plant species composition and an associated decline in community productivity, provides a common explanation for these declines in soil carbon.

Impact of insect pollinator group and floral display size on outcrossing rate - J. Brunet; H. R. Sweet (Evolution, 2006)
Despite the strong influence of pollination ecology on the evolution of selfing, we have little information on how distinct groups of insect pollinators influence outcrossing rate. However, differences in behavior between pollinator groups could easily influence how each group affects outcrossing rate. We examined the influence of distinct insect pollinator groups on outcrossing rate in the rocky mountain columbine, Aquilegia coerulea. The impact of population size, plant density, size of floral display, and herkogamy (spatial separation between anthers and stigmas) on outcrossing rate was also considered as these variables were previously found to affect outcrossing rate in some plant species. We quantified correlations between all independent variables and used simple and two-factor regressions to determine direct and indirect impact of each independent variable on outcrossing rate. Outcrossing rate increased significantly with hawkmoth abundance but not with the abundance of any of the other groups of floral visitors, which included bumblebees, solitary bees, syrphid flies, and muscidae. Outcrossing rate was also significantly affected by floral display size and together, hawkmoth abundance and floral display size explained 87% of the variation in outcrossing rate. None of the other independent variables directly affected the outcrossing rate. This is the first report of a significant impact of pollinator type on outcrossing rate. Hawkmoths did not visit fewer flowers per plant relative to other pollinator groups but preferred visiting female-phase flowers first on a plant. Both the behavior of pollinators and floral display size affected outcrossing rate via their impact on the level of geitonogamous (among flower) selfing. Given that geitonogamous selfing is never advantageous, the variation in outcrossing rate and maintenance of mixed mating systems in populations of A. coerulea may not require an adaptive explanation.

A multimodel ensemble forecast framework: Application to spring seasonal flows in the Gunnison River Basin - Satish Kumar Regonda; Balaji Rajagopalan; Martyn Clark; Edith Zagona (Water Resources Research, 2006)
We propose a multimodel ensemble forecast framework for streamflow forecasts at multiple locations that incorporates large‐scale climate information. It has four broad steps: (1) Principal component analysis is performed on the spatial streamflows to identify the dominant modes of variability. (2) Potential predictors of the dominant streamflow modes are identified from several large‐scale climate features and snow water equivalent information. (3) Objective criterion is used to select a suite of candidate nonlinear regression models each with different predictors. (4) Ensemble forecasts of the dominant streamflow modes are generated from the candidate models and are combined objectively to produce a multimodel ensemble, which are then back transformed to produce spatially coherent streamflow forecasts at all the locations. The utility of the framework is demonstrated in the skillful forecast of spring seasonal streamflows at six locations in the Gunnison River Basin at several lead times. The generated ensemble streamflow forecast provides valuable and useful information for optimal management and planning of water resources in the basin.

Spatiotemporal variation in survival rates: implications for population dynamics of yellow-bellied marmots - A. Ozgul; Kenneth B. Armitage; Daniel T. Blumstein; M. K. Oli (Ecology, 2006)
Spatiotemporal variation in age-specific survival rates can profoundly influence population dynamics, but few studies of vertebrates have thoroughly investigated both spatial and temporal variability in age-specific survival rates. We used 28 years (1976-2003) of capture-mark-recapture (CMR) data from 17 locations to parameterize an age-structured Cormack-Jolly-Seber model, and investigated spatial and temporal variation in age-specific annual survival rates of yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris). Survival rates varied both spatially and temporally, with survival of younger animals exhibiting the highest degree of variation. Juvenile survival rates varied from 0.52 +/- 0.05 to 0.78 +/- 0.10 among sites and from 0.15 +/- 0.14 to 0.89 +/- 0.06 over time. Adult survival rates varied from 0.62 +/- 0.09 to 0.80 +/- 0.03 among sites, but did not vary significantly over time. We used reverse-time CMR models to estimate the realized population growth rate (lamda), and to investigate the influence of the observed variation in age-specific survival rates on lamda. The realized growth rate of the population closely covaried with, and was significantly influenced by, spatiotemporal variation in juvenile survival rate. High variability in juvenile survival rates over space and time clearly influenced the dynamics of our study population and is also likely to be an important determinant of the spatiotemporal variation in the population dynamics of other mammals with similar life history characteristics.

Temporal shift of diet in alternative cannibalistic morphs of the tiger salamander - M. Denoel; H. H. Whiteman; S. A. Wissinger (Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006)

From DNA to fitness differences: sequences and structures of adaptive variants of Colias Phosphoglucose Isomerase (PGI) - C. W. Wheat; W. B. Watt; D. D. Pollock; P. M. Schulte (Molecular Biology and Evolution, 2006)

Patterns of biodiversity in sub-alpine wetlands - A. M. Panetta (2006)
Aquatic insect colonization dynamics were studied in an attempt to understand patterns of diversity in sub-alpine wetlands. More specifically, this study investigated three alternate hypotheses: species-level diversity in habitat patches is a function of 1) patch size, 2) patch complexity, or 3) source-community characteristics. Experimental ponds that varied in size and habitat complexity were placed around natural source ponds of varying hydroperiods. Samples of invertebrate abundance and species richness were taken after a nine days of natural colonization. Results revealed higher species richness in more complex habitats (F 1, 66 = 5.756; p = 0.0193). Species richness also varied with respect to hydroperiod (F 2, 66 = 12.961, p < 0.0001), with highest diversity in habitat patches around vernal ponds. Species richness did not vary with respect to patch size (F 1, 92 = 0.665; p = 0.417). Results support the hypothesis that diversity is a function of habitat heterogeneity, while they do not support the hypothesis that diversity is a function of size. Thus, the protection and/or creation of large bodies of water may not be sufficient to preserve wetland species-diversity; success may hinge on the complexity of protected/created habitat patches. Additionally, patterns of diversity in habitat patches varied with respect to source community. Thus, assessment of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of existing wetland communities may be necessary to ensure site-specific preservation of species diversity.

Floral larceny: Implications, resistance, and the potential for tolerance - M. L. McCutcheon (2006)

Ecosystem responses to warming-induced plant species loss and increased nitrogen availability in a Rocky Mountain subalpine meadow - M. E. Smith (2006)
Ecosystem Responses to Warming-Induced Plant Species Loss and Increased Nitrogen

Asymmetrical pollen success in Ipomopsis (Polemoniaceae) contact sites - George Aldridge; Diane R. Campbell (American Journal of Botany, 2006)

Anther evolution: pollen presentation strategies when pollinators differ in efficiency - M. C. Castellanos; P. Wilson; A. D. Wolfe; S. Keller; J. D. Thomson (American Naturalist, 2006)

The consequences of direct versus indirect spsecies interactions on selection on traits: pollination and nectar robbing in Ipomopsis aggregata - R. E. Irwin (American Naturalist, 2006)

Environmental stressors differentially affect leaf ecophysiological responses in two Ipomopsis species and their hybrids - C. A. Wu; Diane R. Campbell (Oecologia, 2006)

Predator defense along a permanence gradient: roles of case structure, behavior, and developmental phenology in caddisflies - S. A. Wissinger; J. C. Whissel; C. Eldermire; W. Brown (Oecologia, 2006)
The combined results of these experiments suggest that caddisfly distributions along permanence gradients depend on a suite of primary and secondary predator defenses that include larval and pupal case structure, predator-specific escape behaviors, and the phenology of larval development.

Metapopulation dynamics of yellow-bellied marmots - A. Ozgul (2006)

Parasite transmission, condition, and immune function in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) - T. Stark (2006)

Evidence for deep groundwater flow and convective heat transport in mountainous terrain, Delta County, Colorado, USA - Greg Lazear (Hydrogeology Journal, 2006)

Gunnison Sage-Grouse Use of Conservation Reserve Program Fields in Utah and Response to Emergency Grazing: A Preliminary Evaluation - SARAH G. LUPIS; TERRY A. MESSMER; T. O. D. D. BLACK (Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2006)
Little information is available on the use of areas enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) or the impacts of grazing on their habitat selection and movement patterns. Using radiotelemetry, we monitored 13 Gunnison sage-grouse in San Juan County, Utah, USA during 2001–2002 to determine their use of CRP. Additionally, in 2002 some of the CRP land used by the birds in 2001 was grazed under a drought emergency declaration. This afforded us an opportunity to monitor their response to livestock grazing. Although Gunnison sage-grouse used CRP for nesting, brood-rearing, and summer habitat, it was not selected in greater proportion than its availability (P ≤ 0.10) on the landscape. Bird-use sites in the CRP did not entirely meet habitat guidelines recommended by the Gunnison sage-grouse Rangewide Steering Committee (2005). Most of the sage-grouse we monitored avoided CRP fields when livestock were present. The one exception to this was a hen with a brood. We believe long-term maintenance of CRP in San Juan County will result in achieving habitat conditions that are more desirable for Gunnison sage-grouse. Future livestock management practices in areas used by Gunnison sage-grouse should incorporate short-term, high-intensity deferred-grazing rotations.

Covellite: Summitville, Rio Grande County, Colorado - Robert B. Cook (Rocks & Minerals, 2006)

Collecting Microminerals in Leadville, Lake County, Colorado - A. T. Smith (Rocks & Minerals, 2006)
(2006). Collecting Microminerals in Leadville, Lake County, Colorado. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 81, No. 5, pp. 383-387.

The Cliff-Hanger Pocket, the Amphitheater, Ouray County, Colorado - Tom Rosemeyer (Rocks & Minerals, 2006)

COMBINED SEWER ELIMINATION PROJECT GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO - Ken Matthews; Bret Guillory; Trent Prall (Proceedings of the Water Environment Federation, 2006)
COMBINED SEWER ELIMINATION PROJECT GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADOThere is a section of the town of Grand Junction, Colorado over five square miles in area where acombined sanitary and storm sewer system existed. The system had significant capacity constraintsduring storm events that resulted in problems with sanitary sewer conveyance, local flooding, andwastewater treatment. In 1996 the City of Grand Junction started serious planning for a project with the...Author(s)Ken MatthewsBret GuilloryTrent PrallSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 9: Effective Resource Management and PerformanceDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2006ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20060101)2006:4L.579;1-DOI10.2175/193864706783796457Volume / Issue2006 / 4Content sourceCollection Systems ConferenceFirst / last page(s)579 - 590Copyright2006Word count289

The effects of the invasive plant Linaria vulgaris on native plant fitness and pollinator behavior - S. Lei (2005)
The invasion of the European perennial Linaria vulgaris to the alpine environment of Colorado may lead to competition for natural resources, space, and pollinators with native species. I measured the effects on fitness of L. vulgaris on three plant species native to Colorado, using both hand-pollination and controls to assess pollen limitation of seed set; plant size was measured for analysis as well, using root stalk diameter of Ipomopsis aggregata and number of flowering stalks of Linum lewisii and Potentilla pulcherrima, in the presence and absence of L. vulgaris. I also recorded pollinator visitations to my focal plants. The fruits for each plant were collected as they matured, and the number of aborted fruits were collected and recorded as well. The number of seeds was counted for each plant per collection day, as fruits often dehisced in the envelopes used to collect them. Analyses of plant size and mean floral display showed no significant difference in the presence of L. vulgaris as compared to its absence. These preliminary results suggest that L. vulgaris does not affect plant size or floral display in these three species.

Larval food limitation in butterflies: effects on adult resource allocation and fitness - C. L. Boggs; K. D. Freeman (Oecologia, 2005)
A picture is provided of the intra-specific response of a suite of traits to ecological stress in the butterfly Speyeria mormonia, whereby fecundity is affected by adult dietary restriction, a pattern reminiscent of a survival/reproduction trade-off, but across a developmental boundary.

Ecological effects of the biocontrol insects, Larinus planus and Rhinocyllus conicus, on native thistles - G. J. Dodge (2005)

Genetic and ecophysiological consequences of natural hybridization between Ipomopsis aggregata and I. tenuituba - C. A. Wu (2005)

Within- and between-pond differences in diapausing egg production in Leptodiaptomus coloradensis (Copepoda: Calanoida) - E. J. Maly (Verh. International Verein. Limnology, 2005)

Factors affecting male song evolution in Drosophila montana - A. Hoikkala; K. Klappert; D. Mazzi (Current topics in Developmental Biology, 2005)

A phenological mid-domain effect in flowering diversity - M. A. Morales; G. J. Dodge; David W. Inouye (Oecologia, 2005)

GPS/GIS Systems Analysis: Recommendations and suggestions for the future - J. V. Abraham (2005)

The amino acids used in reproduction by butterflies: a comparative study of dietary sources using compound specific stable isotope analysis - D. M. O'Brien; C. L. Boggs; M. L. Fogel (Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, 2005)

Yellow-bellied marmot hiding time is sensitive to variation in costs - Daniel T. Blumstein; D. Pelletier (Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2005)
Many species use refugia to avoid predators, but remaining in a refuge is costly because foraging and engaging in other beneficial activities are curtailed while in a refuge. Thus, we expect that the duration of refuge use will be optimized. We tested a key prediction of this optimization hypothesis in yellow-bellied marmots, Marmota flaviventris (Audubon and Bachman, 1841), by providing supplemental food next to their burrows to manipulate the costs of remaining in a refuge. We then systematically walked towards a subject that was foraging on supplementary food or a subject that was not foraging on supplementary food until the individual disappeared into its burrow. We found a significant effect of our feeding treatment; subjects with supplementary food emerged from their burrows sooner than those without it. We also found a complex interaction between our feeding treatment and immergence distance (i.e., the distance subjects were at when they disappeared into their burrows). Individuals that tolerated close approaches emerged sooner when food was present, while those that were intolerant of approaching humans took longer to emerge and emerged sooner when food was not present. Juveniles emerged significantly sooner than adults, while there was no detectable difference between emergence times for adults and yearlings. This is the first demonstration in a mammal that hiding time is sensitive to the cost of remaining in the burrow. A number of previous studies on hiding times have focused on ectothermic species. More generally, our results suggest that endotherms are also likely to optimize the time that they remain in a refuge.

Effects of nectar robbing on nectar dynamics and bumblebee foraging strategies in Linaria vulgaris - Daniel Aureliano Newman; J. D. Thomson (Oikos, 2005)

Ecophysiology of first and second generation hybrids in a natural plant hybrid zone - Diane R. Campbell; Candace Galen; C. A. Wu (Oecologia, 2005)
Heterosis in WUE may help to explain the relatively high survival of both reciprocal F1 hybrids in dry sites within the natural hybrid zone, and differences among genotypic classes were spatially and temporally consistent.

A reconnaissance of population genetic variation in artic and subarctic sulfur butterflies (Colias spp.; Lepidopetera, Pieridae) - C. W. Wheat; W. B. Watt; C. L. Boutwell (Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2005)

Evolutionary ecology of facultative paedomorphosis in news and salamanders - M. Denoel; P. Joly; H. H. Whiteman (Biological Reviews, 2005)
Facultative paedomorphosis is an environmentally induced polymorphism that results in the coexistence of mature, gilled, and fully aquatic paedomorphic adults and transformed, terrestrial, metamorphic adults in the same population. This polymorphism has been of interest to scientists for decades because it occurs in a large number of caudate amphibian taxa as well as in a large diversity of habitats. Numerous experimental and observational studies have been conducted to explain the proximate and ultimate factors aﬀecting these heterochronic variants in natural populations. The production of each alternative phenotype is based on a genotyperenvironment interaction and research suggests that diﬀerences in the environment can produce paedomorphs through several ontogenetic pathways. No single advantage accounts for the maintenance of this polymorphism. Rather, the interplay of diﬀerent costs and beneﬁts explains the success of the polyphenism across variable environments. Facultative paedomorphosis allows individuals to cope with habitat variation, to take advantage of environmental heterogeneity in the presence of open niches, and to increase their ﬁtness. This process is expected to constitute a ﬁrst step towards speciation events, and is also an example of biodiversity at the intraspeciﬁc level. The facultative paedomorphosis system is thus ripe for future studies encompassing ecology, evolution, behaviour, endocrinology, physiology, and conservation biology. Few other systems have been broad enough to provide varied research opportunities on topics as diverse as phenotypic plasticity, speciation, mating behaviour, and hormonal regulation of morphology. Further research on facultative paedomorphosis will provide needed insight into these and other important questions facing biologists.

How do grazers affect periphyton heterogeneity in streams? - M. Alvarez; B. L. Peckarsky (Oecologia, 2005)

Registration of ‘Grand Mesa’ Pinto Bean - M.A. Brick; H.F. Schwartz; J.B. Ogg; J. C. Johnson; F. Judson (Crop Science, 2005)
Crop ScienceVolume 45, Issue 1 cropsci2005.0413 p. 413-413 Registrations Of Cultivars Registration of ‘Grand Mesa’ Pinto Bean M.A. Brick, Corresponding Author M.A. Brick mbrick@lamar.colostate.edu Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Corresponding author (mbrick@lamar.colostate.edu)Search for more papers by this authorH.F. Schwartz, H.F. Schwartz Dep. of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorJ.B. Ogg, J.B. Ogg Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorJ.J. Johnson, J.J. Johnson Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorF. Judson, F. Judson Fruita Res. Stn., 1910 L Road, Fruita, CO, 81521Search for more papers by this author M.A. Brick, Corresponding Author M.A. Brick mbrick@lamar.colostate.edu Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Corresponding author (mbrick@lamar.colostate.edu)Search for more papers by this authorH.F. Schwartz, H.F. Schwartz Dep. of Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorJ.B. Ogg, J.B. Ogg Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorJ.J. Johnson, J.J. Johnson Dep. of Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, CO, 80523Search for more papers by this authorF. Judson, F. Judson Fruita Res. Stn., 1910 L Road, Fruita, CO, 81521Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 January 2005 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci2005.0413Citations: 2 Research supported by the Colorado Agric. Exp. Stn., Colorado Dry Bean Administrative Committee and Colorado Seed Growers Assoc. Registration by CSSA. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume45, Issue1January–February 2005Pages 413-413 RelatedInformation

Trout predators and demographic sources and sinks in a mayfly metapopulation - C. C. Caudill (Ecology, 2005)
Habitat patches often differ in environmental conditions, and the degree of environmental heterogeneity among patches is thought to influence population dynamics at the regional (metapopulation) scale. In a previous study, I found evidence of a source– sink dynamic in a metapopulation of the mayfly Callibaetis ferrugineus hageni occupying beaver ponds with or without brook trout predators, where adult females frequently dispersed among ponds, and frequently oviposited in ponds with trout. Here, I tested the hypothesis that trout create habitat sinks by manipulating trout densities and estimating local population growth rates (λ) of Callibaetis. In addition, Callibaetis emergence rates were estimated in the mayfly generation before the manipulation. Among ponds, λ ranged from 0.062 to 2.631, and nine Monte Carlo simulations scenarios revealed that four ponds had λ significantly below replacement (sinks) while the presence of source ponds was less conclusive. The manipulation of trout did not result in a detectable treatment effect, perhaps because of low statistical power resulting from high within-treatment variation in trout densities. However, point estimates of λ and emergence rates were negatively and exponentially related to trout density, such that nearly all ponds with more than 1 trout/100 m2 were sinks. Further, multiple regression analyses were consistent with the hypothesis that trout reduced λ and emergence rates, while other biotic and abiotic factors did not provide explanatory power. The results support the hypothesis that source–sink population dynamics may be common in freshwater habitats, and that prey metapopulation dynamics may be predicted from the distribution of predators, prey movement and habitat selection behaviors, and factors influencing the outcome of predator–prey interactions.