Global Environmental Change: Consequences for Multitrophic Interactions Across Genotypes and Scales

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Rick Lindroth and Caroline Awmack Proposal 0129123 Increasing concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) are anticipated to exert widespread impacts on ecosystems. Exceedingly little is known, however, about the effects of these factors on the dynamics and genetic structure of populations of interacting species. The purpose of this research is to assess the independent and interacting effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on the dynamics of a host plant - herbivore - natural enemy model system. This research will be conducted at the Aspen FACE (Free Air CO2 Enrichment) facility in northern Wisconsin. Studies will be conducted to evaluate the long-term impacts of CO2 and O3 on the population dynamics of natural assemblages of red clover, pea aphids, and two natural enemies (ladybeetles and a parasitic wasp), and the importance of genotype in influencing such interactions. Results will improve our understanding of the relative importance of competition as well as bottom-up and top-down trophic interactions for community dynamics, in the context of global environmental change.