The Diversity, Biogeography, and Functional Traits of Native Bees from Ontario's Far North and Akimiski Island, Nunavut

Abstract

Bees (clade Anthophila), are poorly studied in northern Canada, as these regions can be difficult to access and have a short growing season. This study examined bees from two such regions: Ontario's Far North, and Akimiski Island, Nunavut. I present this study as the largest biogeographical study of bees performed in these remote areas to enhance knowledge of northern native bees. I found 10 geographically unexpected species in Ontario and on Akimiski Island. Rarefaction and the Chao 1 Diversity Index showed that Akimiski is nearly as diverse as the Far North of Ontario, a significantly larger area. I also found, based on log femur length versus latitude, Bombus worker size was consistent with Bergmann's rule, and there were no apparent statistical differences in the community weighted means of functional traits between the Far North's Boreal Shield and Hudson Bay Lowlands ecozones. This work provides invaluable knowledge of the native bee species from these regions, which has implications for their future conservation.

Author Keywords: Akimiski Island, Bergmann's rule, Chao 1, Community-weighted means, native bees, rarefaction

    Item Description
    Type
    Contributors
    Creator (cre): Vizza, Kayla Marie
    Thesis advisor (ths): Beresford, David V
    Degree committee member (dgc): Schaefer, James
    Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Date Issued
    2019
    Date (Unspecified)
    2019
    Place Published
    Peterborough, ON
    Language
    Extent
    79 pages
    Rights
    Copyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted.
    Local Identifier
    TC-OPET-10687
    Publisher
    Trent University
    Degree
    Master of Science (M.Sc.): Environmental and Life Sciences