College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-01 13:56:34
Major
Biology
Honors Course
BIOL 499
Number of Credits
5
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
Climate change is altering winter and spring conditions in northeast Ohio, with urbanization and the urban heat island effect likely intensifying these changes. This preliminary study examined how Temnothorax ants alter nest-site preference in response to climate change and urbanization. I hypothesized that colonies exposed to warmed treatments would select hickory nuts to buffer against thermal/urban stressors. Identical in situ experimental setups were deployed at a rural site and an urban site and data collection occurred from late winter to early spring. Control colonies experienced ambient temperatures while experimental colonies were warmed +4°C above ambient temperatures. Colonies had the choice between a 3D-printed nest, an acorn, and a hickory nut. I found that ants in the Temnothorax genus move from acorns to hickory nuts as early spring approaches, regardless of experimental warming or field site. This preliminary study supports a larger experiment that seeks to understand trait-based ecology and community assembly dynamics via individual- and colony-level responses to climate change.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Chelsea Miller
First Reader
Dr. Randall Mitchell
Second Reader
Dr. Henry Astley
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Brian Bagatto
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Royce, Keana, "Effects of warmer springs and urbanization on the nest choice of Temnothorax ants" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2164.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2164