Julia Koricheva: Exploring the hidden links—tree diversity effects in Finnish boreal forests

In our new post, Julia Koricheva—a researcher at Royal Holloway University of London, UK—discusses her interest in effects of plant diversity on ecosystem functioning. Having worked extensively on long-term forest diversity experiments in Finland, Julia is particularly interested in the biodiversity and functionality of boreal forest ecosystems. She also works on the evolution and ecology of plant-herbivore interactions, including mechanisms of plant defense.  As more … Continue reading Julia Koricheva: Exploring the hidden links—tree diversity effects in Finnish boreal forests

Ana Porto: Brazil isn’t just trees—working in grasslands in a country conventionally seen as a big forest

In this blogpost, Ana Porto—from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Brazil—describes their interest in grasslands restoration ecology. Ana is particularly interested in grassland restoration techniques using hay and direct seeding. Ana is also interested in the community vegetation of this ecosystem, mainly following its development after endogenous and exogenous disturbances (e.g. grazing, fire, afforestation, and biological invasions). Profile I arrived at this topic … Continue reading Ana Porto: Brazil isn’t just trees—working in grasslands in a country conventionally seen as a big forest

Monica McCard: Exploring Lionfish Ecology—A Research Expedition in Honduras

In this new post, Monica McCard, from Liverpool John Moore University, discusses working on many different non-native aquatic species, with a particular focus on the feeding impacts of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans). For over three decades, lionfish have emerged as one of the most devastating invasive aquatic species in history. Throughout the Western Atlantic, these venomous fish have wreaked havoc on reefs and disrupted ecosystems, … Continue reading Monica McCard: Exploring Lionfish Ecology—A Research Expedition in Honduras