April 22, 2016
Division of Biology Seminar April 22
Submitted by Division of Biology
Roger Ruess, University of Alaska, will present "Cross-scale controls over trophic responses in the Alaskan boreal forest to changing disturbance regimes" as part of the Division of Biology Seminar Series at 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, in 221 Ackert Hall.
The abstract for the lecture is derived from: Throughout interior Alaska, recent climate warming has triggered unprecedented changes in the fire regime and permafrost thaw, species range shifts, the structure and functioning of ecosystems across the boreal landscape, and changes in the access and use of ecosystem services by Alaskans. Vegetation changes are affecting vertebrate herbivore populations and plant-herbivore interactions that control plant growth and successional dynamics, which in turn, feedback to influence herbivore fecundity and movements through effects on forage quality and abundance. Changing disturbance regimes also are affecting the complex interactions among vertebrate herbivore populations and the outbreak behavior of invertebrate herbivores and plant pathogens. The Bonanza Creek Long Term Ecological Research Network is studying how altered trophic dynamics across multiple temporal and spatial scales are shaping regional vegetation responses to environmental change. The network also is working with agencies and local communities to understand how moose and hunters are responding to human disturbances, and how a better understanding of disturbance-vegetation-moose-human interactions can inform management options to improve food security in interior Alaskan subsistence communities.
If you would like to visit with Ruess, contact John Blair at jblair@k-state.edu or 785-532-7065.