Research projects
Mutualist and antagonist interactions of native and invasive plant species in fragmented forests
Habitat fragmentation tends to erode plant-animal interaction in native plant species. However, invasive species tend to succeed in human altered habitats. These different responses of plants are often modeled by their interactions with animals. In this project we are evaluating simultaneously mutualist and antagonist interactions in a native tree (Zanthoxylum coco) and invasive tree (Morus alba) in fragmented habitats and continuous forests. We want to assess whether habitat fragmentation differentially shapes plant-animal interactions between these native and invasive trees. We aim to identify the interactions and processes more susceptible (in terms of failure or success) to fragmentation for both species. We will compare fragmentation effects on different mutualist and antagonist interactions, and the ecological processes associated to them, between the native and invasive species. Gene flow and population genetics of plants in disturbed habitats
I conducted posdoctorate research in Mexico, working with Mauricio Quesada at the Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas (CIEco), Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. We evaluated fragmentation effects on gene flow, mating patterns and genetic diversity in the tropical tree species Ceiba pentandra. Gene flow, via pollen or seeds, is expected to collapse when continuous habitat is cleared. However, the available research evidence does not fully support this assertion. The ability of maintaining genetic connectedness among fragmented populations will mainly depend on pollen and seed vectors characteristics of each species. Increasing research on gene flow patterns in fragmented habitats is then crucial to determine the long-term viability of plant populations. I am planning to extend this research on native species from the Chaco Serrano in central Argentina |
Progeny performance in fragmented forests
Habitat fragmentation is known to alter sexual reproduction and mating patterns in plant populations. After a quantitative review, we recently found that progenies generated in fragmented habitats present, on average, higher inbreeding coefficients than progenies obtained in continuous forests (Aguilar et al. 2008). Together with Lorena Ashworth, Ana Calvino, and Julia Astegiano we are investigating whether such alterations affect the biological performance of plant progenies generated in fragmented systems, which may reflect the expression of inbreeding depression as a result of increased selfing or mating among relatives. We are planning to combine the analysis of experimental approaches of progeny growth parameters in natural and controlled conditions together with molecular markers to assess whether inbreeding depression is a widespread phenomenon across different life forms in native plant species in fragmented landscapes. Population dynamics and genetic diversity of an invasive tree in human altered habitats
Natalia Aguirre, has recently finished her PhD project evaluating plant population dynamics of Ligustrum lucidum, an exotic invasive tree, using matrix projection models and also analyzing the genetic variability of invasive populations in both continuous Chaco Serrano forests and human disturbed habitats. She was able to determine the factors that mediate in the successful growth and invasive capability of this species in contrasting habitats. She established replicates of permanent plots in forest patches within agricultural lands and continuous forests to assess whether growth dynamics and genetic characteristics of this invasive tree are driven by different human land uses. |
Research Synthesis in Ecology
Historically, the progress of science has depended to a great extent on the ability of scientists to reach general conclusions from cumulated previous research. Thus, research reviews have provided the bases for conceptual syntheses and for the development of general theories in many research areas of the natural sciences, including Ecology.
Currently, quantitative reviews such as meta-analyses are able to synthesize results from independent studies in a manner that is both objective and statistically defensible. Meta-analysis has been used to synthesize disparate research findings and to identify patterns to arrive at conclusions unavailable to researchers of primary studies.
I am interested in attaining generalizations in certain areas of ecology and conservation biology here enough research has been conducted. Quantitative reviews are important because they can provide not only new research questions but also important management criteria for conservation biology.