Theses and Dissertations
Advisor
Evans, Kristine O.
Committee Member
Iglay, Raymond
Committee Member
Hill, JoVonn G.
Committee Member
Fortuin, Christine
Date of Degree
5-10-2024
Original embargo terms
Embargo 6 months
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Abstract
Private, working forests provide unique opportunities for biodiversity research and management. Even-aged management often creates a heterogeneous mosaic of forest stands in southeastern loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) landscapes, with stands containing structural and compositional characteristics that support different bee functional groups. Interspersion of different structural conditions, combined with roads separating adjacent stands, leads to prevalence of edges across much of the landscape, which may have varying effects on bee species. I evaluated how landscape heterogeneity and presence of edge influences functional diversity in wild bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) communities during the summers of 2022 and 2023. Open conditions within early successional stands and along stand edges, with more floral diversity and exposed bare soil for nesting, benefit the overall bee community, though some species respond differently due to differences in their nesting strategies. The heterogeneous mosaic of working pine forests thus have the potential to support diverse bee communities.
Recommended Citation
Stoecker, Madalyn, "Forest structure and edge effects on bee functional diversity in private, working pine forests" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6181.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6181