Genetic And Life-History Assessment Of The Influence Of Glaciers On Biodiversity In High-Altitude Ecuadorian Streams.

The Primary Research Objective Is To Assess Effects Of The Unique Hydrologic And Thermal Environment Created By Glacial Meltwater On Life-History Diversity And Population-Genetic Patterns Of Insects Dwelling In Ecuadorian High-Altitude Streams. The Proposed Research Is Timely And Pressing Considering The Rapid Rate Of Deglaciation Occurring In The Andes And The Likelihood That Associated Aquatic Biodiversity Is Vulnerable To These Changes. There Is Significant Ongoing Research Activity Worldwide On This Problem, But Little Effort Has Been Expended In Tropical Glaciated Regions. Hence, Our Specific Research Objective To Empirically Assess The Drivers Of Increased Biodiversity In High-Altitude Glacier-Influenced Streams Will Contribute Internationally Meaningful Results And Be Important Regionally For Ecuador, A Country Appreciated Worldwide For Its Stunning Geographic And Biological Diversity.