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10-Minute Presentation

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

10-min: P-IE, Ecology

The incredible ecological feats of harvester ants

Sunday, November 10, 2024
4:30 PM – 4:42 PM MST
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 129 B, PCC
Oral Presentation
Harvester ants have traditionally been labeled as pests within their native ranges from perceived effects on crop production and rangeland productivity. Yet, modern research casts doubt on many of these perceived detrimental effects and instead suggests that harvester ants act as keystone species that largely benefit both ecosystems and human activities. Through nest engineering and trophic interactions(such as seed harvesting and predation), harvester ants have considerable direct and indirect effects on community structure and ecosystem functioning. In my presentation I'll review past research and summarize some of my research on harvester ant ecology.