Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Alejandro Fierro Cabo

Second Advisor

Julie Ann Mustard

Third Advisor

Erik Plata

Abstract

The Tamaulipan thornscrub is a transition zone between the neotropics and the temperate regions, harboring high biodiversity. This habitat supports a diverse insect community, including many pollinators of native and cultivated plants in Texas and northeastern Mexico. This ecosystem has been extensively degraded and lost; only 5% of its original cover remains north of the Rio Grande. Restoration of the Tamaulipan thornscrub has been ongoing for over three decades, but the important roles of pollinators in the success of such efforts and the functioning of the restored ecosystem have rarely been considered in restoration efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess the floral resources of the Tamaulipan thornscrub by documenting the phenology and floral output of plant species that comprise three thornscrub communities. In addition, the composition of flowering species of each thornscrub community was examined and compared. The blooming period and duration, as well as the floral output, are of interest, as the consistent presence of floral resources is necessary throughout the adult lifetime of pollinators. Phenological data was collected biweekly along established routes in three study sites representing different versions of the thornscrub (LRGV National Wildlife Refuge, Resaca de la Palma State Park, and Sabal Palm Sanctuary). A semi-quantitative index reflecting floral phenology was used for all blooming plants observed on the established routes over the last year. Floral output was determined for the thornscrub species, both herbaceous and trees, for all three sites. Results suggest that the floral phenology patterns of the thornscrub are driven by the seasons, but also by rains and available soil moisture. Furthermore, a resulting list of thornscrub species that are important pollinator resources, as they flower during times of low floral availability and have high floral output, was completed in this study. This study provides important insights into plant species that would be important to consider when selecting species in thornscrub restoration. This study contributes to the knowledge of floral resources of the Tamaulipan thornscrub and how pollinator populations can be further supported.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Gracie Makenna Granados. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3254349757

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