Biodiversity Research Seminar Series (BRS)

BRS Jacob Usinowicz: Environmental variation drives the dynamics of biodiversity

April 13, 2022, 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

2212 Main Mall

host: O'Connor Lab

Title: Environmental variation drives the dynamics of biodiversity 

Abstract: Environmental variation is a fundamental feature of natural communities, yet we still have very little understanding of its role in the dynamics of biodiversity. Environmental variation promotes biodiversity by providing opportunities for species to differentiate in their strategies for obtaining basic resources, but uncertainty in changing conditions can undermine a species’ persistence. Here, I present empirical and theoretical results that demonstrate how climate variation drives biodiversity across scales by influencing the coexistence of competitors, and can even explain latitudinal-diversity gradients. I also show that coexistence in variable environments depends on species’ access to information, in particular environmental cues that help them anticipate changing conditions, and show how the value of information can be quantified in terms of population growth rates. 

Topic: Biodiversity Research Seminar Series
Start Time: Apr 13, 2022 11:42 AM

Meeting Recording:
https://ubc.zoom.us/rec/share/lzKY36e1lqTclYN3HZ9Qycfhvxx-TF3P6OL23zreY…

Access Passcode: 9=9zRWCz

  • Biodiversity Research Seminar Series (BRS)

Biodiversity Research Centre

2212 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
E-mail biodiversity.centre@ubc.ca

Research Excellence Clusters at UBC Vancouver is a joint initiative of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic, UBC Vancouver and the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. Funding support for the clusters is provided by Academic Excellence Funds – UBC Vancouver.

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