The Effects of Spatial Subsidies and Food Web Structure on the Stability and Long-Term Dynamics of Island Ecosystems

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

Huxel, Gary and Sanchez-Pinero, Francisco DEB 0079426 The PI's propose work evaluating how external and in situ factors affect ecosystem function, community dynamics, and species diversity on islands in the Gulf of California. There are five primary goals. First, to understand how multiple factors influence the distribution and abundance of populations. Second, to understand how spatial (landscape) factors and temporal variability in productivity affect community dynamics and ecosystem function. Third, to connect processes and productivity in the ocean to population and food web dynamics on land. Fourth, to analyze the long-term dynamics of focal species. Fifth, to address factors that affect the stability of populations, communities, and ecosystems. A combination of experiments and field sampling will be conducted over a 4 year period to test specific hypotheses related to each goal.