Research Symposium

BIO

I am currently a second-year undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Biological Sciences. I hope to deepen my understanding of evolution and ecology through graduate studies, with the long-term goal of pursuing a career in research.

Do Range Size and Environmental Variables Predict the Benthic-to-Pelagic Shift of North American Minnows?

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving the shift of North American minnows from benthic to pelagic zones in freshwater ecosystems. Our finding of an on average larger range size in benthic species compared to pelagic species suggests that there are possible predictors of this transition. Through an analysis of species distribution data, including range size, and an examination of the environmental conditions within these ranges, this research examines the factors influencing this microhabitat shift and its potential consequences on ecosystem dynamics.

Keywords: Evolution, Ecology, Fish