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Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2013

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Plant Science

First Advisor

Paul J. Johnson

Abstract

Invertebrates are used worldwide as focal ecological indicators of progress in restoration efforts on degraded habitats. In this study I examined the community assemblage of ants in varied ages of restored grasslands by comparing them to prairie remnants in the same region. Two different trapping methods were used to determine the ant assemblages among four age classes of prairie restorations in southeastern South Dakota. Results were compared to the community composition found on prairie remnants in the same region. Species richness was significantly different amongst the oldest restorations and remnants, but was not significant amongst the younger restorations. This suggests that there may be a level of predictiveness in their response to age and revegetation efforts, and that species richness and a functional group approach and provide a good basis to gauge restoration progress and ultimate success.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

prairies restoration--South Dakota
Grassland restoration--South Dakota
Ants--Ecology--South Dakota

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 59-67).

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

75

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/

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