Dissertation Research: Early Invasion Dynamics of the Japanese pavement ant, Tetramorium tsushimae, in St. Louis, MO: The Genetic Structure of a Biological Invasion

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The Japanese pavement ant, Tetramorium tsushimae, is a recently discovered invasive species found throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. Since the invasion was first identified, the species has rapidly spread and may have reduced local biodiversity. The primary goal of this research is to use this species to understand how recent biological invasions succeed by using methods in genetics, ecology, behavior, and computer modeling. Specifically, this funding will permit research to determine how this species has dispersed recently and how it currently competes with other species.Invasive species are non-native species that undergo rapid population growth and cause significant environmental or economic costs. Invasive species are the second leading cause of extinctions and population declines worldwide. Aside from their adverse effects on biodiversity, the negative effects of invasive species in the U.S. cost $137 billion annually. A major emphasis in the study of biological invasions has been to understand the early stages of invasions, because once established they can be very difficult to eradicate. The Japanese pavement ant represents the most recently documented ant invasion in North America; as such, this system presents an indispensable opportunity to understand how early invasions succeed and spread. This research will provide valuable information for conservation efforts designed to prevent invasions.