We study SSD in Ground Beetles. Our last study in altitude gradient is contradictory: RMA results showed males sensitivity to be greater, BUT females body size clines were steeper. What do you think - why?
Hello Raisa; In ants near the tree line two vague general themes are evident
As elevation increases pigmentation increases.
1. Black individuals are more abundant. Interpreted to be related to more rapid
heating.
2. a. Small individuals are more common. Interpreted to allow more rapid heating
and so an earlier onset of foraging.
b. In other species, larger individuals are more common. Heating and cooling
slower. Interpreted to allow fewer interruptions in foraging.
Here is one related citation
Bishop TR, MP Robertson, BT van Rensburg and CL Parr. 2017. Coping with the cold: minimum temperatures and thermal tolerances dominate the ecology of mountain ants. Ecol. Entomol. 2017(42: 105-114.