Ecological Energetics of Locomotion

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The objective of the proposed research is to develop an understanding of the factors that affect the energy costs of existence and costs of transport in six species of ants. These insects have served as an empirical basis for economic models of foraging and territorial defense; however quantitative tests of such models have been limited by the absence of comparative data on actual energy costs. Using sensitive computer-assisted sampling techniques developed in the laboratory, the investigators plan to measure the metabolic rate of individual ants at rest and actively exercising. They will examine the effects on energy cost of such ecologically relevant variables as 1) body mass, 2) ambient temperature, 3) running speed, and 4) load mass and mode of carriage. The first comparative data on ventilation patterns in exercising insects will be gathered. The goal is to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive body of data on the energy transactions of an ecologically important group of small insects. Results of the study will allow ecologists to accurately estimate energy costs from a few easily measured environmental variables. Such an ability should encourage more quantitative tests of ecological theory based on economic models. In addition to these contributions to basic science, the proposed research should have several practical applications, The work to date has made several technical advances in the analysis of gas exchange in small insects, including the development of software and instrumentation. The detailed analysis of gaits in ants may prove useful in small machine robotics. In addition, data from the study will help applied ecologists estimate changes in energy flow due to habitat alteration in desert ecosystems.