The importance of latitude in a world of climate change: An Ecological approach with Termites

• Grant number: 24/02729-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Ecosystems Ecology
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Alberto José Arab Olavarrieta
• Grantee: Alberto José Arab Olavarrieta
• Principal researcher abroad: Daniel Aguilera Olivares
• Institution abroad: Universidad de Concepción (UdeC) , Chile
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Santo André
• Associated researchers: Ives Haifig ; Luciana Campos Paulino
• Associated research grant: 23/15703-9 - Termites in a World of Climate Change: An Ecological, Functional, and Molecular Approach, AP.R

Abstract

Global thermal-safety margin patterns offer valuable insights into species' vulnerabilities to climate warming, shedding light on the historical interplay between physiology and behavior in protecting species from temperature extremes. Considering the projected increase in temperature and the intensity of extreme weather events, the general objective of this SPRINT-FAPESP proposal is to investigate how neotropical termite species respond to rising temperatures and reduced humidity at different latitudes and which functional attributes are related to the climatic tolerance of these insects. We hypothesize that termite species from higher latitudes (Chile) will exhibit a broader thermal tolerance range compared to tropical species (Brazil), as they currently inhabit climates cooler than their physiological optima. In 2019, we forged a partnership between TermitoLab (UFABC-Brazil) and Dr. Daniel Aguilera-Olivares' group at the Laboratory of Entomology (Entomolab) of Universidad de Concepción (UdeC-Chile), renowned for their pioneering research in termite ecology in this region. This collaboration has yielded four published scientific papers and led to the creation of a termite research topic in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. This initiative propelled a new collaboration between both research groups to advance in the knowledge of the effect of climate change on termites in two regions with distinct weather peculiarities. This proposal aims to promote collaboration within South America and advance the field of termite ecology in the region. This objective will be achieved through a series of exchange activities led by researchers from Brazil and Chile. The proposed exchange activities include: i) Collaborative research, ii) Workshops, and iii) undergraduate and graduate student training. Both teams possess expertise in insect field techniques, ecological experimentation, and statistical analysis of large datasets. Furthermore, their knowledge of different termite groups complements each other. This collaboration will facilitate the attainment of a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of climate change on neotropical termites. (AU)