Diversity and resilience of plant communities in isolated ecosystems

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In many parts of the world, the destruction and fragmentation of ecosystems have reached such a high proportion that remaining plant communities are constrained within a matrix of humanized habitats. The composition, structure and landscape dynamics of this matrix exert a strong influence on the diversity and dynamics of remaining ecosystems. ***The long-term objective of my research program is to increase our understanding of the processes that influence the resilience of plant communities constrained within a matrix of humanized habitats. Ultimately, this research will inform strategies for mitigating the direct and indirect impacts of environmental changes on ecosystems. ***My short-term goals are to 1) evaluate the effect of tree encroachment on wetland composition, diversity and resilience and 2) investigate the relationship between urbanization and biotic homogenization. The projects carried out to achieve these first two objectives will also make it possible to 3) identify which processes and components are responsible for community assembly and beta diversity changes.***Bogs isolated in agricultural landscapes as well as urban forests and vacant herbaceous lots will serve as study models. To identify changes in diversity and composition, my team will primarily use a resampling approach (revisiting plots sampled 30-40 years ago) and a space-for-time substitution methodology. Such a historical approach enables robust links between the drivers of change and environmental response to be made, as plants often have a time-lagged response to landscape modifications.***My program offers a unique opportunity to improve our knowledge of the ecological processes and mechanisms that govern ecosystem dynamics and composition. This knowledge is essential to eventually be able to foster ecosystem resilience in face of growing human-induced pressures and to improve programs for the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems, especially those specific to wetlands and urban ecosystems. ***Thanks to my program, many HQP will have the opportunity to develop highly valuable skills in statistics, plant biology and conservation. MSc students will all acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue doctoral studies in community ecology if they wish or equip them for advanced biology-related employment. PhD students will come to possess advanced knowledge on the processes responsible for community assembly and will be well positioned for a research career.