Abstract: Ecosystems that appear to be geographically separate are in fact often connected by flows of carbon, nutrients, and energy. Rivers receive nitrogen subsidies from the Pacific Ocean in the form of migrating salmon; streams receive massive quantities of carbon from autumn-shed riparian leaves that fuel their food webs; amphibians translocate limiting nutrients between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These and other ‘resource subsidies’ are vital for the productivity and ecological integrity of Earth’s ecosystems, but key questions remain. Do human activities alter these types of connections? And if so, what are the ecological consequences? To address these questions, I’ll draw from examples of connections that exist between aquatic, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. Results indicate that human impacts on one ecosystem can have ramifications for others, despite their geographic separation.
Bio: Dr. Tiegs is an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. His research addresses questions of resource subsidies, organic matter processing, and community dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.
Presentation by:
Scott Tiegs
Associate Professor
Oakland University
(This seminar is hosted by Todd Royer)
O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Room A221 – Thursday, Nov. 21st at 4:00 P.M.
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