STAR year of participation: 2023
STAR Project Title: Exploring the effects of urbanization on functional trait variation within Pieris rapae and Erigeron strigosus throughout Philadelphia
STAR Project Title: Exploring the effects of urbanization on functional trait variation within Pieris rapae and Erigeron strigosus throughout Philadelphia
- Abstract: As land becomes increasingly urbanized, flora and fauna that provide important ecosystem services are directly affected, including pollinators and flowering plants. Urban habitats are generally marked by higher temperatures, increased habitat fragmentation, and exposure to toxins and pollutants. Functional trait variation may reflect responses to such urban stressors. We present pilot data on the impact of urbanization on two local species common to urban and rural habitats– the Pieris rapae butterfly and Erigeron strigosus, an herbaceous flowering plant. We collected specimens from six urban and five rural sites in and surrounding Philadelphia, gathering data on traits such as body length, wingspan, and plant height. Preliminary results suggest trait variation between the areas, motivating continued efforts. Ultimately, we plan to collaborate to expand the project globally, focusing on areas typically underrepresented in scientific research. With further development, we can build a database to facilitate studies of urbanization’s impact on plant and pollinator communities and support conservation goals in urban spaces.