Understanding coastal biogeography:
BIODIVERSITY ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING
BIODIVERSITY ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONING
Intertidal species functional traits and the environment
Research into the identification of recurring species assemblages is perhaps the oldest form of marine community research. Traditionally, species assemblages across space and time have been evaluated mostly by taxonomic-based indices (e.g., abundance, diversity, and richness). Although these methods may accurately describe spatial and temporal differences in community composition, they however fail to capture the causal mechanisms underlying these patterns. Functional traits define the role of biological communities, identify the key characteristics and mechanisms by which the organisms interact with the ecosystem properties. The role and use of functional traits has yield a research concept known as biodiversity ecosystem functioning (BEF).The BEF approach debates the disadvantages of neglecting species functional identity. BEF research has proliferated following concerns that biodiversity loss would negatively affect the ecosystem functions, processes, and ecosystem services it underpins. However, despite evidence that biodiversity strongly affects ecosystem functioning, the effects are often context-specific in dynamic habitats such as coastal systems.
Research into the identification of recurring species assemblages is perhaps the oldest form of marine community research. Traditionally, species assemblages across space and time have been evaluated mostly by taxonomic-based indices (e.g., abundance, diversity, and richness). Although these methods may accurately describe spatial and temporal differences in community composition, they however fail to capture the causal mechanisms underlying these patterns. Functional traits define the role of biological communities, identify the key characteristics and mechanisms by which the organisms interact with the ecosystem properties. The role and use of functional traits has yield a research concept known as biodiversity ecosystem functioning (BEF).The BEF approach debates the disadvantages of neglecting species functional identity. BEF research has proliferated following concerns that biodiversity loss would negatively affect the ecosystem functions, processes, and ecosystem services it underpins. However, despite evidence that biodiversity strongly affects ecosystem functioning, the effects are often context-specific in dynamic habitats such as coastal systems.
My PhD research therefore focuses on evaluating the effects and responses of intertidal rocky shore species assemblages i.e., macroinvertebrates and seaweed (based on their physiological, morphological, behavioural, and life history traits) to biogeographic stressors (e.g., sea surface temperature, salinity, nutrients, and wave exposure) along the coastline of South Africa (see above Figure).
By understanding the trade-offs and spin-offs among species and communities using their biological traits, we can vastly improve our understanding of the intertidal system services, functionality, and productivity. By the end of my PhD, I plan to have consolidated a trait database for intertidal rocky shore species found along the coastline of South Africa. This information is critical for better management of coastal systems and better predictions of how organisms will respond to climate change.
My PhD research therefore focuses on evaluating the effects and responses of intertidal rocky shore species assemblages i.e., macroinvertebrates and seaweed (based on their physiological, morphological, behavioural, and life history traits) to biogeographic stressors (e.g., sea surface temperature, salinity, nutrients, and wave exposure) along the coastline of South Africa (see above Figure).
By understanding the trade-offs and spin-offs among species and communities using their biological traits, we can vastly improve our understanding of the intertidal system services, functionality, and productivity. By the end of my PhD, I plan to have consolidated a trait database for intertidal rocky shore species found along the coastline of South Africa. This information is critical for better management of coastal systems and better predictions of how organisms will respond to climate change.
Ecosystem engineering:
Seaweed morphological traits and epifauna
One of the most pervasive goals of community ecology has been understanding species interactions and how the environment influences their biomass, abundance, and distribution. Habitat forming species also known as ecosystem engineers influence other species by provision of refuge from other biotic and abiotic pressures. For example, small-size canopy-forming seaweed, can ameliorate extreme physical conditions in their environment by modifying local hydrodynamic regimes, stabilizing sediments, and providing habitat for microinvertebrate species.
Although there are many attributes that warrant a species as a habitat former, it is assumed that functional trait attributes which relate to morphological characteristics, tissue composition and chemical defenses is the most dominant determinant. In this study, by determining functional trait composition and community establishment of seaweed, I will be evaluating how seaweed species induce a functional cascade on intertidal epifaunal communities.
Although there are many attributes that warrant a species as a habitat former, it is assumed that functional trait attributes which relate to morphological characteristics, tissue composition and chemical defenses is the most dominant determinant. In this study, by determining functional trait composition and community establishment of seaweed, I will be evaluating how seaweed species induce a functional cascade on intertidal epifaunal communities.