Connecting ecological processes controlling variation across spatial scales

动物的数量和种类因地、因时而异，这是许多生态系统的特点，特别是在我国沿着的岩石海岸。 它混淆了解释，阻碍了对保护，影响和气候变化的预测。 该计划是对动物和间接对其食物的主要差异原因（合适的栖息地和食物的可用性，天气的影响）进行系统的实验分析。 这项研究将揭示在几个空间尺度上运作的相互作用的影响，导致当地多样性的变化。 这将从根本上提高我们维持沿海动物的能力。

Large variability in numbers and types of animals from place to place and time to time characterizes many ecological systems, particularly on the rocky shores along our coasts. It confuses interpretation and hampers predictions about conservation, impacts and climatic change. This programme is a systematic experimental analysis of the major causes of variance (availability of suitable habitat and food, influences of weather) on the animals and indirectly on their food. The research will unravel the interacting influences that operate over several spatial scales to cause variability in local diversity. This will radically increase our capacity to sustain our coastal fauna.