Ecological and evolutionary consequences of worker morphological variation in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Rivera, Michael

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117670 Copy

Description

Title

Ecological and evolutionary consequences of worker morphological variation in ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Author(s)

Rivera, Michael

Issue Date

2022-11-30

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Suarez, Andrew

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Suarez, Andrew

Committee Member(s)

• Anderson, Philip S. L.
• Dolezal, Adam
• Fuller, Becky
• Johnson, Kevin P.

Department of Study

School of Integrative Biology

Discipline

Ecol, Evol, Conservation Biol

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Social Insects
• Macroevolution
• Ants

Language

eng

Abstract

For my dissertation, I approach the evolution of worker polymorphism at multiple biological levels, exploring both the evolutionary pattern of worker polymorphism and its functional consequences. My first chapter focus on the broad-scale patterns of worker morphology both in a deep-time evolutionary scope and global ecological context. In Chapter 1, I use phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze a newly created database of extant and extinct worker body size among ant genera. I also draw upon the large wealth of literature on the evolution of body size, extending it to include body size variation in eusocial taxa. Chapter 2 explores scaling constraints in bite force. Previous work suggests the scaling relationship between bite force and body size may be different within polymorphic species compared to across monomorphic species. Working primarily in the harvester ant genus Pogonomyrmex, this project combines biomechanical methods in a phylogenetic context. The final chapter explores the functional consequences of having a variable workforce with a focus on individual-level performance. In Chapter 3, I ask how worker morphological traits, including body size, correlate with trophic position, testing the hypotheses of functional traits in ant workers.

Graduation Semester

2022-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/117670

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Michael Rivera

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