Alexa Newman
Pronouns: They/them
Research Mentor(s): Kayla Hale
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Ecology & Evolutionary Biology / LSA
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 1 – 10am – 10:50am
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Kayla Hale
Presenter: 60
Abstract
Understanding the structure and function of an ecosystem and its inhabitants is crucial to keeping that ecosystem alive and healthy. Ecological networks, as well as food webs, describe the quantity and direction of interactions between species in an ecosystem. These networks allow scientists to understand the structure and stability of ecosystems, and provide insight into potential interventions that may mitigate disturbances to an ecosystem. There are few well-developed terrestrial food webs, most of which include only a few types of species or interactions. Mutualism and parasitism, while not often included in food webs, are important interactions that contribute to ecosystem stability and function. Here, we are developing the largest and most detailed terrestrial ecological network to date. We collected data from the University of Michigan BioStation on any interaction between species with a “trophic†(feeding) component, including predator, prey, parasite/parasitoid, and mutualist (pollination, seed dispersal) interactions. Specifically, we compiled data for terrestrial mammals, birds, insects, plants, reptiles, and amphibians using publicly available data sources, student projects, and expert opinions. We will make this compiled data available to both scientists and the general public. Our work will be beneficial for the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems facing past and future disturbances.
Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences
