[ECOLOG-L] Looking for seeds of Plantago lanceolata, Lactuca serriola, Holcus lanatus and Capsella bursa-pastoris
Dear Ecologgers, For a project on plasticity and ecological amplitude of native and introduced plant populations, we are looking for seed material from native and introduced populations of Plantago lanceolata, Lactuca serriola, Holcus lanatus and Capsella bursa-pastoris. All four species are native to Europe, and now have an almost worldwide distribution. If you know some populations of any of these four species, and would be willing to send us seeds, together with information on the location of the population (latitude, longitude, altitude), we would very much appreciate it. From each population, we would like to have, when possible, seeds from ten different plant individuals, separated by at least 1 m. The seeds should ideally be kept separately for each individual. However, if it is too laborious to pack the seeds separately, we are also happy with bulked seeds. For questions and further information, contact Jake Alexander ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Mark van Kleunen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). Seeds can be sent to Jake Alexander Institute of Integrative Biology Universitätsstrasse 16 ETH Zentrum, CHN F37.2 CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc at Cornell with Nelson Hairston, Jr. and Steve Ellner
We invite applications from prospective postdoctoral candidates to join our research project, Contemporary Rapid Evolution: Dynamics and Persistence in Complex Ecological Communities, supported by the James S. McDonnell Foundation. Interested candidates should contact us directly (Nelson Hairston, Jr., [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Stephen Ellner, [EMAIL PROTECTED]) with a brief statement of your background and interests, attaching your CV and providing contact information for 2 persons who could provide letters of reference. Our broad goal is to understand the proximate and ultimate factors responsible for general patterns of population variability, such as the ubiquity of stability and cycles and the rarity of more complex dynamical patterns. Work to date has centered on predator-prey (rotifer-algal) microcosms having the potential to exhibit a wide range of qualitative dynamics. Tightly linked experimental and theoretical studies have allowed us to show that feedbacks between ecological and evolutionary processes play an essential role in determining the system's dynamic properties. Future directions for experimental and theoretical work include: relationships between genetic variability and ecological dynamics; more complex experimental communities; management implications of rapid evolution; and extending the work to natural aquatic communities. Additional information is at www.jsmf.org/grants/d.php?id=2007006. We can provide at least 2 years of postdoc salary with a start date as early at September 1, 2008 and as late as January 1, 2009. The postdoc will have primary responsibility for planning and conducting microcosm experiments and for training and supervising undergraduate assistants on the project, but will be a full participant in all aspects of the project, both theoretical and experimental. Previous experience with aquatic microcosm/mesocosms will be helpful, but is not essential. Representative publications from this research: Yoshida, T., Ellner, S. P., Jones, L. E., Bohannan, B. J. M., Lenski, R. E., Hairston, N. G., Jr. 2007. Cryptic population dynamics: rapid evolution masks trophic interactions. PLOS Biology 5:1868-1879. Jones, L. E. and S. P. Ellner. 2007. Effects of rapid prey evolution on predator-prey cycles. J Math Biol 55:541-573 Fussmann, G. G., S. P. Ellner, N. G. Hairston, Jr., L. E. Jones, K. W. Shertzer, and T. Yoshida. 2006. Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of experimental plankton communities. Advances in Ecological Research 37:221-243. Yoshida, T., N. G. Hairston, Jr., and S. P. Ellner. 2004. Evolutionary tradeoff between defense against grazing and competitive ability in a simple unicellular alga, Chlorella vulgaris. Proc Royal Soc London B 271:1947-1953. T. Yoshida, L.E. Jones, S.P. Ellner, G.F. Fussmann, and N. G. Hairston, Jr. 2003. Rapid evolution drives ecological dynamics in a predator-prey system. Nature 424: 303-306. G. F. Fussmann, S.P. Ellner, and N.G. Hairston, Jr. 2003. Evolution as a critical component of plankton dynamics. Proc Royal Soc London B 270: 1015-1022. S.P. Ellner and G.F. Fussmann. 2003. Effects of successional dynamics on metapopulation persistence. Ecology, 84: 882889. Shertzer, K.W., S.P. Ellner, G.F. Fussmann, and N.G. Hairston, Jr. 2002. Predator-prey cycles in an aquatic microcosm: testing hypotheses of mechanism. Journal of Animal Ecology 71: 802815. Shertzer, K.W. and S.P. Ellner. 2002. Energy storage and the evolution of population dynamics. J Theor Biol 215, 183200. G. Fussmann, S.P. Ellner, K.W. Shertzer, and N.G. Hairston, Jr. 2000. Crossing the Hopf bifurcation in a live predator-prey system. Science 290: 1358-1360.
[ECOLOG-L] how to euthanize terrestrial snails and slugs?
Dear Ecologgers, does anyone know how to kill in a humane way land snails and slugs before cutting them in small pieces and digesting them in a pepsin solution? I’m working on a nematod parasite, Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, which uses terrestrial snails and slugs as intermediate hosts and ungulates as final hosts. I would like to digest gastropods to search for the presence of stage three larvae of P. tenuis, so I need to use a technique to kill the gastropods but not the P. tenuis larvae to avoid them to be digested by the pepsin solution. Clove oil is used as an anesthetic for fish and can be used to euthanize them at high concentration, but I didn’t find any informations about its use in gastropods. Some authors reported using CO2 to euthanize snails. Does anyone have used this technique? Thanks in advance, Maryline Pioz
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant Position at UC Davis
Junior Specialist/Research Assistant Position Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis This position will focus on plant-soil interactions in California grasslands and how they are affected by range management and restoration practices. Job duties primarily include field work (establishing, maintaining and sampling field plots) and lab work (processing and analyzing plant and soil samples), with some additional tasks related to database management and greenhouse experiments. This is a one-year position (with possibility of extension), and the starting date is flexible. Requirements: BA or BS in plants, soils, ecology, or related discipline. Previous field and lab experience. Occasional long days/ over night trips to the field. Application: Submit a letter of interest, CV, and contact information for 3 references to: Valerie Eviner [EMAIL PROTECTED] 530-752-8538
[ECOLOG-L] POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN ECOLOGICAL MODELING: University of California, Santa Barbara.
We seek a postdoc to work on models characterizing the effects of individual and/or spatial heterogeneity on population dynamics. The specific project opportunities will depend on the interests and experience of the applicant, but include: relating individual heterogeneity in demographic rates to population-level consequences such as extinction risk and invasion speed; understanding how heterogeneity and stochasticity in individual growth rates can influence population growth rates; understanding how spatial heterogeneity in the environment can lead to individual heterogeneity in demography and growth. The modeling approaches range from strategic models of generalized organisms to more specialized models that represent plants, aquatic invertebrates, fish, or terrestrial vertebrates. The primary advisors will be Bruce Kendall and Roger Nisbet; the postdoc will also interact with an interdisciplinary team that is using a restored reach of the Merced River in California as an outdoor laboratory to study the hydrology and ecology of rivers (ecological leads on this project are Brad Cardinale and Hunter Lenihan). Applicants should possess a PhD in applied mathematics, mathematical or theoretical biology, systems biology, or some related discipline. The ideal candidate will have strong background in the construction and analysis of discrete- or continuous-time dynamical models, and should have experience or training in working with stochastic and/or spatial processes. Funding is available for two years, with salary contingent on experience. Applicants should submit a CV, a statement of research interests, and the names of three referees to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Initial review of applications will begin on 4 August 2008, but applications received after that date may be considered. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
[ECOLOG-L] Research Assistant - Population Biology, Lincoln Park Zoo
RESEARCH ASSISTANT, ALEXANDER CENTER FOR APPLIED POPULATION BIOLOGY The Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) is seeking applicants for a full-time Research Assistant. DUTIES: Assist Center staff with population biology research projects in genetics and demography; conduct independent research in population biology; assist with software development including validation of software models, writing software manuals, debugging; develop databases for reintroduction programs including developing structure, data entry, data maintenance, and analyses; conduct background literature searches; coordinate logistics for visiting scientists and meetings sponsored by the Center; monitor budgetary expenditures; assist with editing/production/distribution of reports; participate in the department's team approach to conservation and research. SKILLS: Working knowledge of PCs, using word processing, spread sheet and databases software. Clearly communicate verbally and in writing. Read and understand written and oral instructions. Organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects. Interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelors degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience with research. Experience with specialized zoo population management software such as PopLink, SPARKS, PM2000 is preferred but not mandatory. Available to work meetings which may occur outside of regular work schedule as assigned. For more information on how to apply see http://www.lpzoo.org/info/employment/index.html
[ECOLOG-L] U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Fire Ecologist
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY JOB OPPORTUNITY: Research Fire Ecologist. The Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center is recruiting to fill a research fire ecologist position to be stationed in Boise, Idaho. Attached below is information about the position that has been excerpted from the vacancy announcement. You will note that there is an emphasis on management-oriented research and decision support in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest. The full vacancy announcements, WR-2008-0560 (DEU) or WR-2008-0563 (merit promotion), may be found on USAJOBS under the U.S. Geological Survey. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in the position or who can assist with reaching out to qualified applicants. We appreciate your assistance with seeking as wide a pool of applicants as possible. Anyone with questions may contact Kate Kitchell at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (541) 750-1033 Thanks! Supervisory Research Fire Ecologist, GS-0408-12/13 (YMJ-MP)Job Announcement Number: WR-2008-0531 or 0530 SALARY RANGE: 65,315.00 - 100,976.00 USD per year OPEN PERIOD: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 to Thursday, July 31, 2008 SERIES GRADE: GS-0408-12/13 POSITION INFORMATION: This is a Permanent Full-time appointment. PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 15 DUTY LOCATIONS: Boise, ID; Forest Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center; Snake River Field Station Department: Department Of The Interior Agency: US Geological Survey Sub Agency: US Geological Survey This position is located with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Biological Resources discipline, Western Region, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center (FRESC), Snake River Field Station, Boise, Idaho. Duties of this position include but are not limited to: As an incumbent with a Ph.D and a specialization in Fire Ecology, the incumbent will serve as a FRESC principal investigator with a fire ecology focus. As principal investigator, the scientist is responsible for designing and executing original research, and publishing the results. The scientist's research program should be at the forefront of emerging ecological knowledge while addressing priority research information needs of management partners in the Intermountain and Pacific West. The scientist should be an expert in fire ecology and fire science combined with landscape-level vegetation modeling related to shrub, grasslands and forested ecosystems. His/her research should address fire-related effects on both humans and natural resources. The scientist is the principal investigator responsible for addressing research on fire ecology at FRESC. This will require coordinating with a team of collaborating scientists, technicians, or graduate students to assist in various aspects of a project. Leadership responsibilities include research design, study implementation, data analysis, and report and manuscript preparation. The incumbent will have the opportunity to apply for graduate faculty status at Boise State University and may serve on graduate research committees. The scientist must be able to teach and transfer her/his knowledge of fire ecology to ecologists, plant and animal biologists and managers who work for federal and state natural resources organizations. He/she must be able to consult with land managers on developing innovative fire management techniques, fuels management plans, and prescriptions that promote scientific understanding and management of shrub, grassland and forest communities in the Pacific Northwest and Intermountain West. An important role of the scientist will be to provide technical assistance to agency resource managers on natural resource issues. The scientist may oversee biologists, technicians, student workers, graduate students, and postdoctoral students who assist in conducting the scientist's research program. This could include serving as the leader and supervisor of a proposed USGS Fire and Restoration Team in Boise. The scientist will be required to seek research funding, manage research budgets, provide project highlights, prepare research summaries and tracking information, maintain project files, complete required administrative training, and follow all Departmental, Bureau, and FRESC policies. Kate Kitchell Deputy Center Director U.S. Geological Survey Forest Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center 777 NW 9th St. Corvallis, OR 97330 [EMAIL PROTECTED] (541) 750-1033 (541) 231-8193 (cell) (541) 750-1069 (fax)
[ECOLOG-L] SCIENCE Methods for making more sense than nonsense by sampling reality Re: [ECOLOG-L] Inferring weed distribution from herbarium records and GIS layers
Honorable Forum: Please do not excuse me if my questions or statements are naive or wrongheaded--hit me hard. How else am I to learn and retain? 1. Are all samples foundations for inferences about reality? 2. Is it always a safe assumption that the bigger the sample the more likely it is to reflect reality? 3. What is(are) the most basic rule(s) for sample adequacy? 4. How does one determine when and how the inference(s) made from a limited data set are limited and by how much? 5. How does one determine when results are more misleading than leading to a relevant and useful conclusion? For Dr. Quinn (and for comment by the Forum): 1. What are you trying to demonstrate or infer? 2. How did you determine the relevance of 100 km of a city, and to what factors was that considered relevant? 3. How does time figure into your investigation? How are the 1580 records (ca 55 records per species, or how are the species distributed as a fraction of the total) distributed over time? 4. How will the results of your investigation fit into the existing literature on the subject, and how will it advance it? 5. Are there any ArcGIS layers that are not applicable or useful to your data set or investigation? As I have inferred, I tend to believe that anecdote is the singular of data, so think there must be a pony in there somewhere if you keep looking long enough. Just what kind of pony, how big, and how fast--who knows? The important thing, it seems to me, is the quest itself. Even if you find that it is invalid to use herbarium records to interpret distribution, or that the interpretation possibilities are severely limited, you will still have made a significant contribution. Negative results are still results. I hope you will keep the Forum informed as your study progresses. WT - Original Message - From: L Quinn [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 6:37 PM Subject: [ECOLOG-L] Inferring weed distribution from herbarium records and GIS layers Dear list, I am relatively new to ArcGIS and its ecological applications, so please excuse me if this question seems naive or wrongheaded... I have obtained all of the existing herbarium records for 29 aquatic weed species in Australia (approximately 1580 records total), as well as several GIS layers showing things like land use, dominant vegetation type, cover class, etc. Basically, I would like to be able to demonstrate that the spatial pattern I'm seeing is statistically valid, but I'm not sure how to do that. The principal spatial pattern I see from selecting by the various polygon features in my GIS layers is that the density of aquatic weed records is greater in intensive land use types (e.g. urban residential areas) than in other types. I derived density values by taking the total number of herbarium records (points) falling within those selected polygons and dividing by the total area (in km2) of the selected polygons. The problem is that this leaves me with only one density value for each land use type, which is, of course, not possibly to analyze statistically. How does one replicate when sampling from a map? I also went through the exercise of picking out each individual point (herbarium record, so each point is an individual of a particular species) and characterizing it in terms of the land use type, vegetation type, and cover class it sits in and whether or not it falls within 100 km of a city, but I am not really sure what I can do with that dataset. It is, at least, much bigger than the 5 density data points I have. If you can see an obvious solution to this or know of instructive texts or papers, please let me know. If you think there's nothing I can do with this dataset, I suppose that's good (but depressing) information too. If you have comments about the validity of using herbarium records to interpret distribution, I am somewhat aware of the issue already. Thank you. Lauren Quinn _ Making the world a better place one message at a time. http://www.imtalkathon.com/?source=EML_WLH_Talkathon_BetterPlace=
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoctoral position available
Postdoctoral Position Available in Pollination Ecology A postdoctoral position is available to investigate native bees as providers of ecosystem services in agricultural and natural settings. The position will begin as soon as a qualified applicant is found and is available for two years with the possibility of extension to a third year. Qualifications: a Ph.D. in ecology evolution, entomology, or a related field; demonstrated expertise in collecting field data and managing large field research projects; excellent organizational skills; and strong data analysis and writing skills. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience working with native bees. Landscape ecology, GIS and modeling skills would be welcomed but are not essential. The position will be based in the Department of Entomology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. To apply, send curriculum vitae, statement of interest and qualifications, names and contact info for three references, and up to three relevant publications to: Dr Rachael Winfree, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Applications will be received until a suitable applicant is found. Applicants who will be attending the ESA meeting in Milwaukee should contact Rachael Winfree to set up an interview. See http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/winfree.htm for more info.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc - Herbivory in New Zealand
New Zealands extensive forest ecosystems are unique in never having experienced mammalian herbivores prior to human arrival. In the last 150 years introduced herbivores, particularly rodents, possums and deer, have had major impacts on these ecosystems. Effective management of these impacts requires that we understand these novel plant-herbivore interactions. Recent work in our group has begun to integrate the large amount of existing data on animal population dynamics, herbivore impacts and plant demography in a modelling framework that can accommodate the high degree of spatial and temporal variability in rates of change in animal populations and their subsequent impacts. Our aim is to use existing data to extend this approach and develop innovative models of plant-herbivore interactions that will provide a clear understanding of the impacts of introduced herbivores in these systems, and an effective platform for management decisions. We seek a person with strong statistical and modelling skills, and possibly a background in plant-herbivore interactions, to join our multidisciplinary team. We are particularly interested in people with experience in hierarchical Bayesian analyses and the application of these approaches to modelling complex ecological data. The successful candidate will collate and analyse data held by Landcare Research and other agencies to estimate demographic parameters for herbivore populations and to quantify the impact of herbivory on forest tree species, including demographic processes such as mortality. We anticipate that this will involve the application of hierarchical Bayesian analysis to accommodate and model spatial and temporal variability in plant-herbivore interactions. Demographic parameters will be used to extend existing plant-herbivore models by allowing for habitat- and site-specific variation as a step towards modelling the impact of herbivory across spatially-variable! forested landscapes. Postdoctoral researcher will present results at relevant conferences and in papers submitted to scientific journals, and will assist in strengthening relationships with key collaborators and clients. The successful candidate will have a PhD in relevant topic, skills and experience in modelling population dynamics and plant-herbivore (or other trophic) interactions, experience in statistical analysis of complex ecological data, and a good publication record. The following attributes are essential: demonstrated initiative and innovative research approach; ability to maintain effective working relationships with a team of scientists; effective oral and written communication skills; and effective organisational and project management skills. This is a full time 2-year position located at the Lincoln office of Landcare research, near Christchurch. Research will be conducted collaboratively with scientists from Landcare Research (Roger Pech, Wendy Ruscoe) and Lincoln University (Richard Duncan). Project funds will support for travel to Australia to facilitate collaboration with scientists at the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in Melbourne (Charles Todd, Dave Forsyth). Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research is New Zealand's foremost environmental research organisation, and specialises in the sustainable management of land resources, optimising primary production, enhancing biodiversity, increasing the resource efficiency of businesses, and conserving and restoring the natural assets of our communities. An appropriate salary plus many company benefits, including income protection, death and health insurance, superannuation contributions exceeding Government minimum and contribution towards relocation if recruitment from overseas. Applications close on Friday 1st August 2008. For further information and to apply please go to the Landcare Research website www.landcareresearch.co.nz/jobs. For additional inquiries, please contact Roger Pech: [EMAIL PROTECTED] WARNING: This email and any attachments may be confidential and/or privileged. They are intended for the addressee only and are not to be read, used, copied or disseminated by anyone receiving them in error. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return email and delete this message and any attachments. The views expressed in this email are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the official views of Landcare Research. http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz
[ECOLOG-L] Summer edition of the Oekologie Blog Carnival
Hello, The Summer 2008 double-issue of Oekologie, the monthly carnival of blog writing on ecology and environmental science is now up for your reading pleasure at: http://reconciliationecology.blogspot.com/2008/07/reconciliation-oekologie-special-summer.html of try this tinyURL if the above is mangled by your email server/reader: http://tinyurl.com/6apfga And I'd like to thank those of you on this forum who submitted entries which I have incorporated into the carnival. I hope you don't terribly mind the context I have put them in! cheers, Madhu ~ Madhusudan Katti Assistant Professor Department of Biology, M/S SB73 California State University, Fresno 2555 E. San Ramon Ave. Fresno, CA 93740-8034 559.278.2460 [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~mkatti http://www.fresnobirds.org/ http://www.valleycafesci.org/ http://reconciliationecology.blogspot.com/ ~
