DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Exploring the Potential of Fish Diversity as a Determinant of Ecosystem Properties in Aquatic Food Webs.

University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL

Investigators

Abstract

A major concern in conservation biology is the effects of invasive species that cause aesthetic, cultural, economic, and ecological disasters. Species invasions are prevalent in aquatic systems; for example, fish communities have been intensively altered due to intentional and accidental introductions. A key objective is to understand how effects of invasive species impact native species and alter ecosystem processes. This research will explore the influence of an invasive fish, common carp (Cyprinus carpio), on ecosystem dynamics at multiple spatial scales of mesocosms and lakes. The hypothesis to be explored is that the impact of an invasive species will vary with native species richness. Understanding the ability of native biodiversity to buffer the effects of invasive species is important as local biodiversity represents an important line of defense against the spread of invaders and is a strong determinant of ecosystem processes. This study will provide insights into basic ecological processes by linking changes in biodiversity to ecosystem processes. The results of this study will also improve predictions of invasive species effects allowing informed, integrated management decisions for conservation. In addition, this project will provide opportunities for undergraduate training in field and laboratory techniques associated with research in aquatic ecology.