| Principal Investigator: | Buddle, Chris (2) |
| Licence Number: | 15091 |
| Organization: | McGill University |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2012
2011
|
| Issued: | Jun 15, 2012 |
| Project Team: | Barb Sharanowski, Laura Timms, Crystal Ernst, Katie Sim |
Objective(s): To test how and to what degree the structure of arthropod communities changes between the northern boreal and sub-arctic zones; to use molecular genetic techniques to aid in species identification and to help explore longer-term patterns.
Project Description: The objectives of this research project are: (1) To test how and to what degree the structure of arthropod communities changes between the northern boreal and sub-arctic zones. This will provide us with a contemporary geographic profile of species and group distributions as well as estimates of diversity. (2) To use molecular genetic techniques to aid in species identification and to help explore longer-term patterns. Data from theme 1 will be subjected to molecular genetic techniques to better define species range boundaries and to explore how genetic and morphological traits of species differ in distribution. This work will be done in close collaboration with the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding (CCDB). Genetic sequence data will allow the project to: a) identify species or life-history stages where it is difficult to do so; b) establish species boundaries and obtain insights into actual species diversity of groups lacking existing classification frameworks; and c) analyze phylogeographic and post-glacial distributional patterns. (3) To provide a sound foundation from which to launch future studies. Although this project is largely focused on biodiversity assessment at broad spatial and temporal scales, the overreaching objective is to investigate how this assessment can be linked to changing environmental factors, now and in the future. Five to 10 yellow pan traps and one flight-intercept (Malaise) trap will be placed at each sampling site to collect spiders, as well as ground dwelling beetles and flying insects. These traps will remain out for 2-3 days. The pan traps will contain diluted propylene glycol while the Malaise traps will contain 95% ethanol. In addition, the field crew will perform timed searches of willow (Salix spp.) foliage at each sampling site. Two team members will search willow foliage by hand for 30 minutes, collecting any herbivorous insects found feeding. Specimens will be identified and dissected to determine if they contain any immature parasitoid larvae. Finally, Pseudoscorpions, beetles and spiders will be collected opportunistically by hand via visual surveys, including turning over rocks beside rivers and creeks, and by searching in and among tundra vegetation. All samples will be transferred to Whirlpak bags or vials and preserved in 95% ethanol to allow for transport and future DNA work. The project website (http://insectecology.mcgill.ca/NBP/index.html) provides information about the project itself, its objectives, the people and collaborators involved, and the implications for northern communities. Information is provided in English, French, and Inuktitut. The website is updated periodically to inform of new developments, and also includes a blog where team members post pictures and details of their work. In addition, we will provide interested individuals and communities with copies of scientific papers and reports arising from our research. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 8, 2012 to July 20, 2012.
