Drosophila Affinis Elevational Transect Project

The Drosphilia Affinis research investigates the temperature tolerance ranges of Drosphilia Affinis across different elevations, focusing on how temperatures at higher and lower altitudes influence their critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and their critical thermal minimum (CTmin). The study is conducted through the Affinis Elevational Transect project, where flies are collected from Camels Hump Mountain, Vermont, at different elevations. Through controlled assays, we determine the temperature thresholds at which flies are no longer active, and then the data is recorded on their survival. The results will inform how climate change may affect species distribution and adaptability.