Cross-scale drivers of diversity in relation to global change in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Ecologists have long sought to unravel the mystery of species diversity patterns in order to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that affect diversity over time and to understand how certain conditions drive the patterning and differentiation of so many different types of ecosystems. My research aims to understand universal processes that lead to high terrestrial and aquatic diversity in one location and low diversity in another, be they meters, kilometres or even thousands of kilometres apart. Traditionally diversity (number of species) is associated with varying environmental conditions such as resources and temperature, or with limited dispersal, which could prevent species from accessing sites with available resources. My research will address these hypotheses as well as other ideas about the role that sampling structure and data aggregation play in washing out effects of both random and non-random processes (e.g., competition, local facilitation) that operate - at least in part - at finer spatial scales. More specifically, my research consists of developing and using models that predict how different processes lead to diversity. These models (e.g., aquatic ecosystem classification models) are then evaluated in the field to validate or check predictions about species diversity and ecosystem services. This research will further our understanding of the basic drivers of diversity in terrestrial and aquatic settings. A fuller understanding of the conditions and processes affecting species diversity will lead to solutions to applied questions, such as: how can we better manage individual ecosystems types that are susceptible to specific human-caused perturbations, and are there any novel remedial actions (e.g., the creation of barriers, fish consumption limits) that may be targeted at specific ecosystem types to control multiple stressors (such as climate warming, invasive species, land-use change and development). Management tools to be developed through this research program, i.e., verified ecosystem classification models, will be essential aids to planning processes in Canada given proposals to develop resources in northern land-water ecosystems that may be more highly sensitive to disturbance. The proposed research will engage and train 2 PhD students, 2 MSc students, 5 undergraduate research assistants during the school year, 1 postdoctoral researcher, and multiple undergraduate thesis students. These students will receive extensive training in all aspects of research within land-water systems science providing them with communication, leadership and technical skills for successful careers in academic, government and private sectors.**