Research
We seek to understand the processes that allow species to coexist and thus maintain diversity in ecological communities. Why are some species common but most species rare? What makes rare species persist? Further, in a world overwhelmingly shaped by humans today, we want to know how human influence impacts the mechanisms that maintain diversity. To this end, we combine ecological theory, experiments and observational field research with advanced statistical models. In particular, we use functional traits—heritable characteristics that mediate species’ response to different conditions—to understand patterns and processes that shape biodiversity in different ecosystems. We use plant communities as model systems, but the concepts apply across many ecological communities. Ultimately, our lab is driven by theory and curiosity.
Drought impact on regeneration
Global environmental change will increase the frequency and incidence of drought—periods when the soil moisture available to plants declines. Seedlings are especially vulnerable to drought. However, not all species respond similarly to drought. Differences among species in how well their seedlings withstand drought will determine which species will do better in changing drought conditions. Furthermore, the impacts of drought can intensify in fragmented forests due to warmer and drier conditions near forest edges compared to forest interiors. We want to understand how edge effects interact with larger forces like global environmental change to shape forest regeneration.
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Habitat fragmentation affects biodiversity
Edge effects on tree recruitment are mainly thought to occur due to changes in abiotic conditions such as light and moisture, but few studies have examined how edges affect biotic interactions that mediate recruitment. In a tropical wet forest in the Western Ghats of India, we tested whether proximity to forest edge weakened the role of insects and fungi in maintaining seedling diversity during recruitment. We continue to focus on the many pathways by which fragmentation affects biodiversity.
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Traits and community assembly
Traits of organisms determine their response to abiotic and biotic stressors and regulate differences among species in survival and growth. We employ a traits approach to understand assembly of tree communities along environmental gradients. Traits also help us understand how species and communities will respond to a changing environment and disturbances such as forest fragmentation. Previously, we have tested whether key functional traits of tree species explained differences in their regeneration success at forest edge vs. interior.
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Resource harvest and forest health
In many forests across the globe, humans harvest Non-timber Forest Produce (NTFP) such as fruits, seeds, bark, and leaves. NTFP harvest is an important source of livelihood for many people but could harm the regeneration and persistence of harvested species. In evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, we assessed harvester decisions regarding what NTFP to harvest, and where, when, and how much to harvest. For one heavily harvested NTFP, the fruit of the wild nutmeg Myristica dactyloides, we are comparing harvested and unharvested areas in their patterns of seedling recruitment and spatial organization of older trees.
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