Plant Ecology Lab

I lead a research lab that focuses on understanding the causes, mechanisms and consequences of seed dispersal and their relationships to plant dynamics. Research in the lab is equally divided between field work, net-house experiments and lab work. One line of studies focuses on patterns and variations in dispersal-related traits in various plant species including ant-dispersed plants and wind-dispersed plants (mainly Astereceae). We collect and measure dispersal traits of plants that originate from various environments (e.g. along precipitation gradient or from fragmented landscapes) and test for possible causes of observed patterns in common garden experiments. In addition to this main research focus, I spend time in studying plant biodiversity patterns in natural and human-made landscapes, with interest in conservation and urban ecology.

Equipment (significant):
•Drying ovens
•Apparatus for measuring seed falling velocity