Trophic Dynamics in Human-dominated Ecosystems

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Urbanization is the most rapidly increasing land use type worldwide. We already know that biodiversity is radically altered in cities. However, we do not know what factors control the trophic or feeding structure of urban communities, and how these controls differ from less human-dominated or natural environments. For example, reduction of predators in cities could mean that herbivores (consumers of plants) increase dramatically and are controlled only by resources or stress. Our research will determine the relative effects of resources, stress, and natural enemies (predator and parasites) in cities on herbivore and predator abundances and diversity, and plant biomass.Our research addresses fundamental questions - How is trophic structure and dynamics influenced by urbanization and, are trophic dynamics different in cities than in less human dominated ecosystems? This research will provide insights into how food webs and their associated biodiversity and ecosystem services can be maintained in urban settings. This research is closely linked to educational and K-12 outreach programs (e.g., Ecology Explorers), as well as partnerships with state and local governments and businesses. Some of our experimental sites are K-12 schoolyards, where K-12 teachers and students will directly participate in the experiments and interact with ASU faculty and graduate students.