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The effects of climate change on Pitcher's thistle and its Bombus pollinators

Project Abstract: 
Pitcher's thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) is a federally threatened species endemic to the Great Lakes region. Past studies suggest that Pitcher's thistle is an important component of local pollination networks. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects that climate change may have on Pitcher's thistle and its pollinators. Specifically, we quantified the number of visits of seven Bombus species on Pitcher's thistle to determine how visits and species composition changes throughout the thistle's flowering season. Additionally, we modeled the future habitat suitability of Pitcher's thistle and the seven Bombus species using current species distribution data. (TO BE EDITED)
Investigators: 
Status of Research Project: 
Years Active: 
2017
Methods: 
This study had two components-- an observational and modeling. (TO BE EDITED)
Funding agency: 
National Science Foundation, Department of Defense