Kaspari, Michael E2019-04-272019-04-272012https://hdl.handle.net/11244/319149My dissertation spans five chapters on diverse topics on the ecology and taxonomy of ants in tropical regions. In Chapter 1, I explored if tree species identity explained litter arthropod biodiversity. In Chapter 2, I explored if tree species identity shape the structure of brown food webs. In Chapter 3, I reviewed the systematic status of the Neotropical ant genus Tatuidris. In Chapter 4, I conducted an experiment to explore the consecuences of high ant abundance in brown food webs. In Chapter 5, I explored mechanisms of ant species co-existence using trait- and phylogenetic-based test of community composition.198 pagesapplication.pdfForest ecologyInsect-plant relationshipsForest soilsArthropodatext