I'm interested in the causes and consequences of biodiversity, and study them using a variety of systems.
Mechanisms of diversity maintenance: many different mechanisms for diversity have been suggested. Recently, a unifying framework has beenproposed: Chesson (2000) classified all mechanisms as being either stabilizing or equalizing forces. I.e. species may coexist if differences between them increase intraspecific competition compared to interspecific competition (stabilizing), while mechanisms that increase the similarity of species fitnesses can also allow coexistence. I'm using microcosms and theoretical models to examine the role of variability and disturbance, within this framework, in promoting coexistence between species.
Measures of diversity: global changes in climate and habitat destruction makes conservation science a balancing act between limited resources and seemingly unlimited demand. As such, we must prioritize both species, and the underlying genetic and functional diversity they encompass. Using the Cape Floristic Proteaceae as a case study, Marc Cadotte and I examined conservation prioritization in relation to evolutionary history, species range sizes, and the metric used.
Species richness (top) compared to phylogenetic diversity (bottom).
Cape Floristic Region Proteaceae: this biodiversity hotspot in South Africa is a relatively small region containing an immense diversity of flowering plants, many found nowhere else in the world. Not surprisingly, as humans alter the region, endemic species are increasingly at risk. In recognition of the value of this region as a reservoir for diversity, a comprehensive survey of plants in the Proteaceae family was carried out: more than 30,000 species records were collected over 10 years. The resulting Protea Atlas Project is an incredible source of information towards understanding species diversity.
