[ECOLOG-L] PSYPRO – data management solution?
Dear Ecologgers, I am getting ready to use the PSYPRO by Wescor for taking leaf water potential measurements. While the measurements themselves (so far) seem to be going fine, we are running into a problem with managing the data: each single measurement is recorded in two separate files, and file names are repeated when measuring several samples from the same channel. This of course is very prone to confusion and will make data management extremely tedious (we are planning to measure various sets of psychrometers and many samples). I am assuming that I am not the first to run into this problem, and so I am wondering if anyone has already written a program/macro to compile the data into one file? Specifically, I am looking for a solution for the ‘Results plus entire psychrometric curve (50pt. array)’ option, possibly with graphing the data. I’d appreciate to hear of any solutions to this issue. Thanks a lot, Bettina
[ECOLOG-L] Fuzzy Set Ordination for classifying plant species ??
Hello, I have a matrix with 180 plant species (variables, binary) and 270 rows (altitude waterbodies). There is also one categorical variable (4 categories representing similar lakes groups, which resulted from a prior analysis of the transposed matrix). Is there any way to load plant species on those categories in fuzzy-set-ordination analysis? Is there anyone here that has faced this question before or could provide a hint? All my efforts so far have lead to loading the lakes on the categories (fso in R); but I want to load the plant species. I would greatly appreciate your help. Dragos Zaharescu Vigo University ~ You should be the change you want to see in the world ~ Ghandi
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Terms Definition Niche
The niche is a flexible concept and I think that trying to come up with a precise definition is pointless. Hutchinson had a very formal definition relating environmental conditions to the persistence of a population, which has been widely adopted even though the environmental conditions usually represent a transient situation and persistence is of course long term. Strict Hutchinsonians abhor such useful concepts as the empty niche, an attitude which I find to be an annoyance and a nuisance. Fenchel and Christiansen wrote a nice book on niche theory with some useful material on niche packing. The late Rob Peters did his best to make the concept useless by his attacks on Gauss' Competitive Exclusion Principle. It is a very useful concept, but efforts to be precise and rigorous have discouraged its use. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 3:57 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Terms Definition Niche when I have a niche I scratch it! :) there are many different niche definitions. Here is what I use in Ecology: fundamental niche: the theoretical maximum resources that could be used by a population. Realized niche: the actual resources that are used by a population. there is also a functional niche that comes out of functional ecology. On Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 5:51 PM, Wayne Tysonlandr...@cox.net wrote: All: What is your definition of niche? WT
[ECOLOG-L] The Ecology of Animal Migration - PhD student course 2009 organized by CAnMove, Lund University
Dear All, We would like to make a final announcement that we are again giving the international PhD student course in Ecology of Animal Migration at the Department of Ecology at Lund University and organized by CAnMove (Centre for Animal Movement Research). There are currently two places left in the course. The course will be held 29 Sept-9 October 2009, and you will find more information (preliminary program, registration etc) on our web page: http://www.canmove.ekol.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=19279list_mode=idcalendar_id=4355 During the course lectures will be given by international experts in their field, there will be seminars, own projects with practice using various field and laboratory techniques (e.g. molecular lab, wind tunnel, radar) as well as an excursion to Falsterbo Bird Observatory. There will be ample time for interactions between students and lecturers and we invite PhD students from any country to participate in the course. Registration deadline is 31 August 2009, maximum enrollment 40 persons. Please, contact Keith Larson (keith.lar...@zooekol.lu.se) for registration.
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Terms Definition Niche
At one point, I (and some colleagues) were asked to put together a concept map for niche. Here is what we came up with... http://www.tiehh.ttu.edu/scox/niche.html/niche_map.html On Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 5:51 PM, Wayne Tysonlandr...@cox.net wrote: All: What is your definition of niche? WT
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Terms Definition Niche
BILL, et al. . . . If empty niche is an invalid concept (according to Hutchinsonians), I've always wondered how House Finches, Carpodacus mexicanus--a western species released on Long Island NY in 1940-41--were able to spread so rapidly they now breed across the entire eastern U.S. and the population has met its western conspecifics in western Nebraska. Eastern House Finches often nest on human-built structures (and in hanging baskets) and eat inordinate amounts of sunflower seeds we provide. House Finches seem not to have displaced native eastern species. The same question might be asked about the Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, an African-Asian native that apparently showed up on its own in Florida in 1953 and now breeds nearly throughout the U.S. and southern Canada. In North America, Cattle Egrets often hang out in conjunction with people and their domesticated livestock, feeding on very large insects stirred up by cattle, sheep, and horses. Cheers, BILL === The niche is a flexible concept and I think that trying to come up with a precise definition is pointless. Hutchinson had a very formal definition relating environmental conditions to the persistence of a population, which has been widely adopted even though the environmental conditions usually represent a transient situation and persistence is of course long term. Strict Hutchinsonians abhor such useful concepts as the empty niche, an attitude which I find to be an annoyance and a nuisance. Fenchel and Christiansen wrote a nice book on niche theory with some useful material on niche packing. The late Rob Peters did his best to make the concept useless by his attacks on Gauss' Competitive Exclusion Principle. It is a very useful concept, but efforts to be precise and rigorous have discouraged its use. Bill Silvert - Original Message - From: malcolm McCallum malcolm.mccal...@herpconbio.org To: ECOLOG-L@LISTSERV.UMD.EDU Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 3:57 AM Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Ecology Terms Definition Niche when I have a niche I scratch it! :) there are many different niche definitions. Here is what I use in Ecology: fundamental niche: the theoretical maximum resources that could be used by a population. Realized niche: the actual resources that are used by a population. there is also a functional niche that comes out of functional ecology. On Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 5:51 PM, Wayne Tysonlandr...@cox.net wrote: All: What is your definition of niche? WT -- RESEARCH PROGRAM c/o BILL HILTON JR. Executive Director Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History 1432 DeVinney Road, York, South Carolina 29745 USA resea...@hiltonpond.org, (803) 684-5852, eFax: (503) 218-0845 Please visit our web sites (courtesy of Comporium.net): Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History at http://www.hiltonpond.org Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project at http://www.rubythroat.org **
Re: [ECOLOG-L] Fuzzy Set Ordination for classifying plant species ??
Readers of this thread might be interested in a comparison paper by Dave Roberts in the latest issue of Ecology. Comparison of multidimensional fuzzy set ordination with CCA and DB-RDA David W. Roberts Ecology September, Vol. 90, No. 9: 2622-2634. On 18-Aug-09, at 6:35 AM, Mike Hillstrom wrote: Hi Dragos, I dont know anything about fuzzy set ordination but I know you can deal with your data set using NMS (nonmetric mulitdimensional scaling) in the software program PRIMER6. Mike Dragos Zaharescu wrote: Hello, I have a matrix with 180 plant species (variables, binary) and 270 rows (altitude waterbodies). There is also one categorical variable (4 categories representing similar lakes groups, which resulted from a prior analysis of the transposed matrix). Is there any way to load plant species on those categories in fuzzy-set-ordination analysis? Is there anyone here that has faced this question before or could provide a hint? All my efforts so far have lead to loading the lakes on the categories (fso in R); but I want to load the plant species. I would greatly appreciate your help. Dragos Zaharescu Vigo University ~ You should be the change you want to see in the world ~ Ghandi Don McKenzie, Research Ecologist Pacific WIldland Fire Sciences Lab US Forest Service Affiliate Professor School of Forest Resources, College of the Environment CSES Climate Impacts Group University of Washington desk: 206-732-7824 cell: 206-321-5966 d...@u.washington.edu donaldmcken...@fs.fed.us
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc in microbial ecology
A postdoctoral position is available at Michigan State University in microbial ecology. This position will be jointly supervised between the Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (Tom Schmidt, http://www.mmg.msu.edu/127.html) and Crop and Soil Sciences (Stuart Grandy, https://www.msu.edu/~grandya1/stuartgrandy.html). Research will be part of a project examining whether increasing plant species diversity in Midwestern row-crop systems can enhance microbial diversity and function, nutrient cycling, and soil organic matter retention. Responsibilities include assessment of total bacterial diversity through Tag-sequencing of 16S genes, and determining changes in the denitrifier community through molecular surveys of nirK – a central gene in bacterial denitrification. These measurements will be combined with standard and modified carbon and nitrogen-cycle enzyme assays to link changes in microbial community structure to nutrient cycling. Applicants with considerable experience using nucleic acid based methods for microbial community assessment are encouraged to apply but priority will be given to those with additional experience in ecosystem ecology, agronomy, or biogeochemistry. To apply, please send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and the name and contact information for three references to Stuart Grandy (grand...@msu.edu). Review of applications will begin August 28 and continue until the position is filled. The position start date is flexible but expected to be in the fall 2009 or early 2010 with an initial appointment of one year with an additional year possible. Salary will be $38-42k per year, depending on qualifications and experience.
[ECOLOG-L] Postdoc: Univ. Calgary, plant ecology, hydrology, wildfire
I am looking for two postdoctoral fellows with background in any combination of the following areas: plant ecology, hydrology, and wildfire processes (heat transfer and combustion). The tenure is two years starting as early as August, 2009. The research will be on an assortment of projects depending on background in wildfires and tree population coupling or forest floor hydrology and smouldering combustion. The position is in the Biogeoscience Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada http://bgs.ucalgary.ca Send CV and cover letter by email to: Prof. E. A. Johnson, Director Biogeoscience Institute johns...@ucalgary.ca Position is open until filled Ed E.A. Johnson Professor of Biological Sciences Director of Biogeoscience Institute http://www.ucalgary.ca/~johnsone/index.html From Nov.to Dec 2009 I will be at the University of California -Berkeley but I can still be reached by email
[ECOLOG-L] EOL Rubenstein Fellows call for applications -- deadline 30 September
Please feel free to circulate this announcement. Encyclopedia of Life invites applications to the EOL Rubenstein Fellows program. This program will provide partial stipend or salary support (up to 50% in one year) for early career scientists to serve species-level information through the Encyclopedia of Life. Rubenstein Fellows will be disseminating results of their own research as well as assisting their mentor and others in their research community to do the same. The focus of a project may be taxonomic, regional, or thematic (for example, marine conservation, host-parasite interactions, or invasive species). Rubenstein Fellows will be selected through an international competition administered by the Species Pages Group of the EOL. The first competition will be held in Fall 2009, with Fellows commencing on or after January 1, 2010. Additional competitions are expected in following years. Overall we anticipate funding at least 60 Fellows over four years. As EOL will be entering a Marine Theme, we expect many of this round's awarded fellowships to address marine species. For more information, please see http://eol.org/content/page/fellows. Deadline for applications is 30 September 2009. Cyndy Parr -- Cynthia Sims Parr Director of the Species Pages Group Encyclopedia of Life http://www.eol.org Office: 202.633.8730 Fax: 202.633.8742 pa...@si.edu Mailing address: National Museum of Natural History P.O. Box 37012 MRC 106 Washington, DC 20013-7012
[ECOLOG-L] Laboratory exercises in systematics?
Hello all, I have been asked to teach a class called Introduction to Systematics. Clearly, this requires the integration of concepts in cladistics, classical taxonomy, molecular techniques, etc. I believe I have all the bases covered in terms of lecture resources, texts and scientific articles. However, I have been unable to find a laboratory manual that would fit a class of this nature. I am aware of labs using dichotomous keys, the Caminalcules, and I have developed a few exercises on my own. But I am curious if there are any published (even if online) lab exercises that can be integrated into the course (obviously with proper credit to the author). Any suggestions will be appreciated -- Dr. Edwin Cruz-Rivera Assistant Professor Department of Biology American University in Cairo Email: edwinc...@aucegypt.edu It is not the same to hear the devil as it is to see him coming your way (Puerto Rican proverb)
[ECOLOG-L] applying for PhD programs
I recently earned a BA biology concentration in ecology, minor in chemistry from Western CT State University, graduating magna cum laude with some academic awards. I have also been invited to speak at the North American Lake Management Society International Symposium in Hartford, CT on October 30th about my undergraduate research project. Although my research project focussed on using herbivorous weevils to control Eurasian watermilfoil in Candlewood Lake, my interest in pursuing a PhD is in stream community/ecosystem ecology especially invertebrate communities. I am looking for suggestions on professors and schools that may be suited to my interests within the United States and preferably east of the Mississippi River. I am also looking for any suggestions on what to include in an initial e-mail and in general on how to put my best foot forward, so to speak. Finally, any suggestions from those who have been in my shoes are welcome. I intend to be accepted into a program for fall of 2010. Thankyou for your time. Please feel free to contact me personally. My name is Andy Oguma and my e-mail is as follows: ayog...@sbcglobal.net
Re: [ECOLOG-L] applying for PhD programs
Hi Andy, If your interests are in community/stream ecology I would definitely check-out the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia. It is an excellent, but quite competitive program, but I think you would find what you're looking for. As far as an initial email goes, it is always a good idea to briefly discuss your research interests along with any relevant experience you may have. Remember that the more experience you can get the better. It is also important to be professional in any email you send to potential supervisors. Also try not to get discouraged if finding a program takes a year or two. Hope this helps a little? Chris On Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 2:32 PM, Andrew Oguma ayog...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I recently earned a BA biology concentration in ecology, minor in chemistry from Western CT State University, graduating magna cum laude with some academic awards. I have also been invited to speak at the North American Lake Management Society International Symposium in Hartford, CT on October 30th about my undergraduate research project. Although my research project focussed on using herbivorous weevils to control Eurasian watermilfoil in Candlewood Lake, my interest in pursuing a PhD is in stream community/ecosystem ecology especially invertebrate communities. I am looking for suggestions on professors and schools that may be suited to my interests within the United States and preferably east of the Mississippi River. I am also looking for any suggestions on what to include in an initial e-mail and in general on how to put my best foot forward, so to speak. Finally, any suggestions from those who have been in my shoes are welcome. I intend to be accepted into a program for fall of 2010. Thankyou for your time. Please feel free to contact me personally. My name is Andy Oguma and my e-mail is as follows: ayog...@sbcglobal.net -- Christopher Blair, Ph.D. Candidate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto and Department of Natural History Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen's Park Toronto, ON M5S 2C6 Canada (416) 333-2236 (cell) (416) 586-8094 (office) http://individual.utoronto.ca/chrisblair/index.html
Re: [ECOLOG-L] applying for PhD programs
Hi Andy, I second the recommendation of the Odum School. It's a great place to study and has a very active and friendly bunch of graduate students. In particular, look up Cathy Pringle, Alan Covich and Amy Rosemond. As an undergrad, I once heard one of my professors complain about students applying to him without having read any of his papers, so when I was applying to grad school, I looked up articles by the people I was emailing and worked that fact into the initial email. Asking a question or briefly connecting your interests to their work is good. Hope that helps! Jane Shevtsov Odum School of Ecology Ph.D. Candidate On Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 12:09 PM, Christopher Blairblair@gmail.com wrote: Hi Andy, If your interests are in community/stream ecology I would definitely check-out the Odum School of Ecology at the University of Georgia. It is an excellent, but quite competitive program, but I think you would find what you're looking for. As far as an initial email goes, it is always a good idea to briefly discuss your research interests along with any relevant experience you may have. Remember that the more experience you can get the better. It is also important to be professional in any email you send to potential supervisors. Also try not to get discouraged if finding a program takes a year or two. Hope this helps a little? Chris On Tue, Aug 18, 2009 at 2:32 PM, Andrew Oguma ayog...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I recently earned a BA biology concentration in ecology, minor in chemistry from Western CT State University, graduating magna cum laude with some academic awards. I have also been invited to speak at the North American Lake Management Society International Symposium in Hartford, CT on October 30th about my undergraduate research project. Although my research project focussed on using herbivorous weevils to control Eurasian watermilfoil in Candlewood Lake, my interest in pursuing a PhD is in stream community/ecosystem ecology especially invertebrate communities. I am looking for suggestions on professors and schools that may be suited to my interests within the United States and preferably east of the Mississippi River. I am also looking for any suggestions on what to include in an initial e-mail and in general on how to put my best foot forward, so to speak. Finally, any suggestions from those who have been in my shoes are welcome. I intend to be accepted into a program for fall of 2010. Thankyou for your time. Please feel free to contact me personally. My name is Andy Oguma and my e-mail is as follows: ayog...@sbcglobal.net -- Christopher Blair, Ph.D. Candidate Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of Toronto and Department of Natural History Royal Ontario Museum 100 Queen's Park Toronto, ON M5S 2C6 Canada (416) 333-2236 (cell) (416) 586-8094 (office) http://individual.utoronto.ca/chrisblair/index.html -- - Jane Shevtsov Ecology Ph.D. candidate, University of Georgia co-founder, www.worldbeyondborders.org Check out my blog, http://perceivingwholes.blogspot.comPerceiving Wholes The whole person must have both the humility to nurture the Earth and the pride to go to Mars. --Wyn Wachhorst, The Dream of Spaceflight
[ECOLOG-L] Maui invasive species internship
Would you like to hike, camp, explore rare ecosystems, and help people learn about the unique plants and animals of Hawaii? The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is looking for interns to help us defend the ‘āina from an onslaught of invasive species. MISC works throughout Maui County from the coastline of Lanai to the summit of Haleakala controlling the invasive alien plants and animals threatening the diverse ecosystems we depend on for our watersheds. As an intern you will have the opportunity to learn more about these ecosystems and the rare plants and animals that compose them. Be prepared to hike in rough terrain and spend a week camping in Hana, Lanai, or high in the rain forest of East Maui. Help with helicopter surveys, learn about GPS data collection and processing, and canvas neighborhoods explaining the importance of removing invasive species. Late night hours are required when assisting with coqui frog control. For more information contact MISC at 808-573-6472. To apply go to http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/RYCC/Apply please do not contact sender: David Cameron Duffy PCSU/CESU/Department of Botany University of Hawaii Manoa
