1. Test for differences in the upper thermal tolerances of a number of highly specialized subterranean species.

We are using species from different clades (mainly Leptodirini, family Leiodidae), different geographical areas, and living under different environmental conditions.

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2. Determine the acclimation capability of species from deep subterranean environments.

We are studying the variation of tolerance ranges after exposure to different acclimation temperatures in the laboratory.

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3. Explore the relationship between thermal niche features and the degree of specialization of species to deep subterranean environments.

The lack of thermal adjustment may be found only in highly specialized species, as a result of the loss of thermoregulatory mechanisms. In consequence, we expect that phylogenetically related epigean species have higher thermal tolerance and acclimation capabilities than species from deep subterranean environments.

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4. Assess the capability of different species (with different degree of specialization)    and populations to face climate change using the physiological information gathered from the previous objectives.