Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9632-111X

Advisor

Pearson, Larry

Committee Member

Heshmati, Mohammad

Committee Member

Amirlatifi, Amin

Committee Member

Diebold, Adrienne

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Chemical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

This research investigates how land use types influence pollinator communities in upland oak forests, focusing on bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). The study has four objectives: (1) compare bee species richness and abundance across four land use types; hardwood, pine/mixed pine, open fields/agricultural areas, and scattered hardwood; (2) test whether bee community composition differs among these land uses; (3) assess how land use shapes diversity of both common and rare bee species; and (4) investigate the reproductive output of cavity-nesting communities in upland oak forests. Together, these aims provide a comprehensive understanding of how land use practices affect wild bee communities in upland oak forests. These findings will inform pollinator conservation, resource management, and sustainable land use strategies, supporting biodiversity and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Department of Forestry at Mississippi State University, Forest and Wildlife Research Center (FWRC)

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