First Advisor

Olyssa Starry

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology and University Honors

Department

Biology

Subjects

Beetles -- Ecology -- Oregon -- Portland, Beetles -- Evolution -- Oregon -- Portland

DOI

10.15760/honors.332

Abstract

Green roofs and nearby ground habitats provide an arena to study invasion and compare dispersal ability between beetles. Invasive species can create a host of problems and to better prevent their spread it is vital to understand what traits allow for extensive colonization success. In this study, two physical traits of beetles, wing type and body size, were examined and compared to see if there were differences in the beetle communities found on eight green roofs and eight ground sites in Portland, Oregon. No significant difference was found in body size except when comparing roof only species with abundant species, and due to limitations on wing type data, there was no direct correlation found to answer whether wing type corresponded to location. However, green roofs are a useful tool for comparing traits and further research should utilize these increasingly common habitats to better understand why certain species are found on these isolated urban islands.

Rights

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Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/17933

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