gmane.science.biology.foodwebs

MS student assistantships

Simons, James — 2012-05-03T19:06:38

Hi to all,

  Please bring the attached notices to the attention of any students who may be interested.  Contact info is on each of the postings.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Jim

James D. Simons, Ph.D.
Associate Research Scientist

Center for Coastal Studies
Natural Resources Center 3200
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5866
Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5866
O 361.825.3223  *  F 361.825.2770

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Urgently sought: mathematical biologist

Axel G. Rossberg — 2012-03-08T15:05:38

Dear All,

Attached (or at http://www.eur-oceans.eu/?q=node/28903) is a job
advert for a PostDoc position for

 "Developing marine community models for sustainable management of
  marine fisheries in Western Europe"

We seek to fill this position as soon as possible, and would
appreciate if you could forward this message to anybody who might be
interested.

For details on the job and the application procedure, please contact
Keith Farnsworth <k.farnsworth-4nBedr2rK6xaa/9Udqfwiw< at >public.gmane.org>.

Many thanks

Axel


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British Ornithologist's Union conference

Darren M Evans — 2012-01-30T12:55:23

Please find attached a flyer for the British Ornithologist's Union
conference (3-5 April 2012) "Ecosystem services: Do we need birds?" In
addition to some excellent debates, there will be a number of foodweb
talks which might be of interest. Please can you circulate the flyer as
widely as possible.

 

Thank you

 

Darren Evans

 

........................................................

 

Dr. Darren M. Evans

Lecturer in Conservation Biology

 

d.evans< at >hull.ac.uk

T +44 (0)1482 465187

 

Department of Biological Sciences

Room 314A Hardy Building

University of Hull

Cottingham Road

Hull

HU6 7RX

 

Website
<http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/people/academic_staf
f/darren_evans.aspx> 

.......................................................

 

We've teamed up with the Observer newspaper and need your help
monitoring the spread of 10 invasive species. Click on the link below
for more details and become a citizen scientist!

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2012/jan/15/citizen-scient
ist-invasive-species-pictures

.......................................................

 

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: DO WE NEED BIRDS?

3-5 April 2012  |  The University of Leicester, UK
Supported by  BTO  |  JNCC  |  University of Hull  |  University of
Newcastle  |  University of Sheffield

The conference will consolidate our understanding of the ecosystem
services provided by birds and showcase current research into the
importance of birds in ecosystem functioning. It will also explore the
cultural services that birds provide and consider how Government and
non-Governmental organisations are engaging with this new approach in
policy. Debating the philosophical and practical problems surrounding
the ecosystem services approach will be a key feature of the conference,
as well as finding new opportunities for bird conservation.

 


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PhD opportunities: ecological networks

Darren M Evans — 2012-01-23T18:06:03

We currently have funded PhD scholarships available in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Hull. The scholarships are awarded to the best quality candidates. Anyone wishing to study the impacts of environmental change on the structure and dynamics of ecological networks should contact me in the first instance to discuss their ideas. See http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/people/academic_staff/darren_evans.aspx for more details about my lab.


PhD Studentships in Biological Sciences


University of Hull 


To celebrate the University's research successes, the University of Hull is offering 25 PhD Studentships in the thematic areas of the Faculty of Science, including in the following Biological areas:

Biological Sciences
Biomedical Sciences <http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/research/biomedical_sciences.aspx> 
Evolutionary Biology <http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/research/evolutionary_biology.aspx> 
Functional Ecology <http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/research/functional_ecology.aspx> 
Hull International Fisheries Institute <http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/research/hifi.aspx> 

Applications are sought from suitably qualified people wishing to pursue research leading to PhD status under the supervision of leading researchers.

Closing date Friday 2nd March 2012; Studentships will start in September 2012

Visit  www.hull.ac.uk/phd for further information and to download a copy of the application form.

For more details about each area please visit the relevant departmental website.

Applicants will be expected to hold a minimum of a UK upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline.

Each full-time UK/EU PhD Scholarship will include fees at the 'home/EU' student rate and maintenance (_______________________________________________
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Postdoctoral position: impacts of climate change onfarmland foodwebs

Darren M Evans — 2012-01-23T12:32:23

Postdoctoral Research Associate

(Ecology & Evolutionary Biology)

Department of Biological Sciences

Applicants with a strong background in evolutionary biology and/or ecology are invited for the position of post-doctoral Research Associate to investigate the impacts of climate change on farmland ecological networks. The post holder will use both novel molecular approaches and ecological networks to determine how climate-driven changes affect the ecosystem service of natural biocontrol. With an emphasis on how altered host-parasitoid interactions affect agricultural crop yields, the economic impacts of climate-driven changes will also be determined.

The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary group of Drs. Darren Evans and Dave Lunt (Biological Sciences) and Dr. Jonathan Atkins (Hull University Business School, HUBS) as part of the University's Centre for Adaptive Science and Sustainability (CASS). CASS is committed to working in close partnership with the business community to develop successful and sustainable economic growth.

The post holder will establish and maintain replicated field experiments in collaboration with industrial partners to examine how climate affects the structure and functioning of aphid-parasitoid and leafminer-parasitoid interaction networks. You will develop and extend the suite of molecular tools currently deployed to accurately determine parasitism rates and identity. This will provide the highly resolved data necessary for quantitative network construction and analysis.

The successful applicant will hold a PhD in evolutionary biology, ecology or a relevant subject. A proven ability in molecular ecology, DNA barcoding, and DNA data analysis is essential. The applicant will also carry out ecological network construction and analysis; knowledge of statistical modelling (preferably using R) would be advantageous. You must have excellent scientific communication, presentation and writing skills, as well as very good critical and analytical problem solving skills.

This is a full time position for a fixed term period of 24 months. The post holder will be strongly encouraged to develop fellowship applications to extend the project and appropriate mentoring will be available.

Salary range £30,870 - £35,789 pa, pro rata.

This post requires a Criminal Records Bureau check.

You can learn more about this position and apply online at www.hull.ac.uk/jobs (vacancy ref: FS0172).

To discuss this role informally, please contact Dr. Darren Evans, T 01482 465187, E d.evans-Cu7FvJMYcQG1Qrn1Bg8BZw< at >public.gmane.org <mailto:d.evans-Cu7FvJMYcQG1Qrn1Bg8BZw< at >public.gmane.org> or Dr. Dave Lunt, T 01482 465514, E d.h.lunt-Cu7FvJMYcQG1Qrn1Bg8BZw< at >public.gmane.org <file:///C:\Dropbox\My%20Dropbox\Parasitoids_CASS\Postdoc\d.h.lunt< at >hull.ac.uk>

Closing date: 13th February 2012

For information about the department visit www.hull.ac.uk/biology <file:///C:\Dropbox\My%20Dropbox\Parasitoids_CASS\Postdoc\www.hull.ac.uk\biology>

www.hull.ac.uk/jobs

........................................................

Dr. Darren M. Evans

Lecturer in Conservation Biology

d.evans-Cu7FvJMYcQG1Qrn1Bg8BZw< at >public.gmane.org

T +44 (0)1482 465187

Department of Biological Sciences

Room 314A Hardy Building

University of Hull

Cottingham Road

Hull

HU6 7RX

Website <http://www2.hull.ac.uk/science/biological_sciences/people/academic_staff/darren_evans.aspx>

.......................................................

We've teamed up with the Observer newspaper and need your help monitoring the spread of 10 invasive species. Click on the link below for more details and become a citizen scientist!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2012/jan/15/citizen-scientist-invasive-species-pictures

.......................................................

ECOSYSTEM SERVICES: DO WE NEED BIRDS?

The conference will consolidate our understanding of the ecosystem services provided by birds and showcase current research into the importance of birds in ecosystem functioning. It will also explore the cultural services that birds provide and consider how Government and non-Governmental organisations are engaging with this new approach in policy. Debating the philosophical and practical problems surrounding the ecosystem services approach will be a key feature of the conference, as well as finding new opportunities for bird conservation.

***********************************************************
To view the terms under which this email is distributed,
please go to http://www2.hull.ac.uk/legal/disclaimer.aspx
***********************************************************
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PhD opportunities in the Stouffer Lab

Daniel B. Stouffer — 2011-11-02T21:49:09

PhD opportunities in the Stouffer Lab at the University of Canterbury
(New Zealand)

The Stouffer Lab at the University of Canterbury (New Zealand) is
seeking applicants for up to three fully-funded PhD fellowships to
work on topics related to ecological complexity and understanding the
structure and dynamics of ecological networks.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the projects, we are
interested in applicants from ecology, computational biology, computer
science, applied mathematics, engineering, physics, or other related
areas.

Interested applicants should see http://stoufferlab.org/opportunities/
for information on how to apply and for more information about our
research group.

Applications close 30 November 2011.

- Daniel

ALLOMETRY IN SOIL NEMATODES: ESA Data Paper and OAResearch Article

Christian Mulder — 2011-10-07T17:38:14

Dear Colleagues,


Hereby a large set of abiotics and nematological data I made publicly 
available in Ecology and a paper on part of the data. Enjoy! 

Regards, Christian 



 

Ecological Society of America Table of Contents Alert
EcologyVolume: 92, Number: 10 (October) 

The above issue is now available online from Ecological Society of America 
at:
http://www.esajournals.org/toc/ecol/92/10?ai=rv&ui=npv&af=H 

Nematode traits and environmental constraints in 200 soil systems: scaling 
within the 60–6000 μm body size range
 
Christian Mulder and J. Arie Vonk 
 
Ecology, Vol. 92, No. 10 (October).
Abstract | Full Text | PDF (167 KB)





Wiley Online Library Open Access  Alert
Ecology and EvolutionEarly View

Trait-mediated diversification in nematode predator-prey systems

Christian Mulder, Johannes Helder, Mariëtte T. W. Vervoort and J. Arie 
Vonk 

Ecology and Evolution, October, 2011 (DOI - 10.1002/ece3.36). 
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ece3.36/full. 
While viewing your article, use the 'E-mail Link to this Article', and 
'Share' functionality to post to social network and blog sites.




Proclaimer RIVM 
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Fribourg Ecology & Evolution Days 2011

Axel G. Rossberg — 2011-09-03T12:41:32

Dear All,

For those of you yet without plans for this week (^_-), there will be
two-day mini-symposium on

      The structure and dynamics of ecological networks

held at University of Fribourg, CH, on 8-9 September 2011 (Thu and
Fri).

Registration is still open until Monday September 5.  For details, see
http://www.unifr.ch/biol/ecology/CUSO/FWSTR2011/index.html .

Best,
Axel

Thesis on food webs

Martin Hartvig — 2011-06-22T09:01:12

Dear colleagues

I recently defended my thesis entitled Food Web Ecology:

M. Hartvig. Food Web Ecology – individual life-histories and
ecological processes shape complex communities. 2011. ISBN:
978-91-7473-080-7. Ph.D. thesis, Department of Theoretical Ecology,
Lund University, Sweden.

It is available here:
http://hvig.dk/2011/03/food_web_ecology-phd_thesis/ . Printed books
are available upon request.

Abstract: This thesis sets out a food web framework for
size-structured populations. The framework enables an ecological
approach to food web modelling as the individual life-history from
birth, through maturation, and ultimately death is explicitly resolved
with the use of bioenergetics based on individual body size. Each
population resolves size-structure through a size-spectrum containing
the individual abundance as a continuous function of body size.
Individuals select prey items of a suitable size, which can be
popularised as "big ones eat smaller ones". This allows individuals to
change diet throughout life (life-history omnivory). In the framework
individual food consumption leads to growth in body size and
allocation to reproduction, which drives the population dynamics as
opposed to instantaneous population increase in unstructured food web
models. Paper I introduces the framework and shows how a simple
realistic parametrisation is possible when a trait-based species
characterisation is used. An analytical approximation of the food web
framework is derived, and validated through comparison with dynamic
simulations. Paper II extends the dynamic framework by also
considering space, and demonstrates how large food webs can be formed
through sequential community assembly. The resulting communities
resemble the topology of natural food webs as well as complying with
empirical data on diversity and biomass distributions -- demonstrating
that individual-level food encounter and prey-selection from the rule
"big ones eat smaller ones" lead to complex and realistic food webs.
Paper III uses the analytical solution of the framework to show the
conditions under which the many-small-eggs strategy of the fishes is a
viable strategy. Paper IV utilises the trait-based species description
to show that coexisting species pairs involved in intraguild predation
exist for all resource levels. The model thus explains empirically
observed coexistence at high resource levels contrary to contemporary
theoretical models. Paper V demonstrates how harvesting initiates a
trophic cascade that may propagate both downwards and upwards in
trophic levels, and that the harvesting pattern may influence whether
or not trophic cascades are empirically detected. In Paper VI the
analytical solution is used to provide a theoretical understanding of
empirically observed relationships between natural mortality, growth,
and production rates.

Do not hesitate contacting me if you have any questions (mh-DYP/qmOruRE< at >public.gmane.org).

Cheers,
Martin

__________________________________________
Martin Hartvig -- Research website: http://hvig.dk/

Paper on allometry as "disturbance index" in soilagroecosystems

Christian Mulder — 2011-03-27T15:06:42

Dear Colleagues

The following paper on allometry in soil food webs appeared in the current 
April issue of OIKOS devoted to SIZEMIC.
You can find it by following the link: 
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1600-0706.2011.18869.x/abstract


Regards, Christian



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Paper: Food web framework for size-structured populations

Martin Hartvig — 2011-02-18T10:10:33

Dear colleagues

The following paper will appear in the coming issue of JTB:

Hartvig, M., Andersen, K.H., and Beyer, J.E. 2011. Food web framework 
for size-structured populations. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 
272(1):113-122.

It is available here: 
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6WMD-51NNPP5-3/2/68180937e23cd6983caa410a7d9c192d
and here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1004.4138

Abstract: We synthesise traditional unstructured food webs, allometric 
body size scaling, trait-based modelling, and physiologically structured 
modelling to provide a novel and ecologically relevant tool for 
size-structured food webs. The framework allows food web models to 
include ontogenetic growth and life-history omnivory at the individual 
level by resolving the population structure of each species as a 
size-spectrum. Each species is characterised by the trait 'size at 
maturation', and all model parameters are made species independent 
through scaling with individual body size and size at maturation. 
Parameter values are determined from cross-species analysis of fish 
communities as life-history omnivory is widespread in aquatic systems, 
but may be reparameterised for other systems. An ensemble of food webs 
is generated and the resulting communities are analysed at four levels 
of organisation: community level, species level, trait level, and 
individual level. The model may be solved analytically by assuming that 
the community spectrum follows a power law. The analytical solution 
provides a baseline expectation of the results of complex food web 
simulations, and agrees well with the predictions of the full model on 
biomass distribution as a function of individual size, biomass 
distribution as a function of size at maturation, and relation between 
predator--prey mass ratio of preferred and eaten food. The full model 
additionally predicts the diversity distribution as a function of size 
at maturation.

Do not hesitate contacting me if you have any questions 
(Martin.Pedersen-MZDhxZOCNg3YfYRhgc9pbQ< at >public.gmane.org).


Cheers,
Martin

_______________________

Martin Hartvig [http://hvig.dk/]
Department of Theoretical Ecology
Ecology Building, Lund University
SE-223 62 Lund, Sweden

Martin.Pedersen-MZDhxZOCNg3YfYRhgc9pbQ< at >public.gmane.org
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Paper announcement

Vesna Gagic — 2011-02-16T11:04:57

Dear food-webbers,

The following paper was recently published online in Proceedings B

Gagic, V.,Tscharntke, T., Dormann, C.F., Gruber, B.,Wilstermann, A.,Thies,C. 2011
Food web structure and biocontrol in a four-trophic level system across a landscape complexity gradient
doi:10.1098/rspb.2010.2645
                                     

Available at 
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2011/02/07/rspb.2010.2645.abstract

Please contact Vesna Gagic (vgagic< at >gwdg.de) with any questions


Abstract

Decline in landscape complexity owing to agricultural intensification 
may affect biodiversity, food web complexity and associated ecological 
processes such as biological control, but such relationships are poorly 
understood. Here, we analysed food webs of cereal aphids, their primary 
parasitoids and hyperparasitoids in 18 agricultural landscapes differing 
in structural complexity (42–93% arable land). Despite little variation 
in the richness of each trophic group, we found considerable changes in 
trophic link properties across the landscape complexity gradient. 
Unexpectedly, aphid–parasitoid food webs exhibited a lower complexity 
(lower linkage density, interaction diversity and generality) in 
structurally complex landscapes, which was related to the dominance of 
one aphid species in complex landscapes. Nevertheless, primary 
parasitism, as well as hyperparasitism, was higher in complex 
landscapes, with primary parasitism reaching levels for potentially 
successful biological control. In conclusion, landscape complexity 
appeared to foster higher parasitism rates, but simpler food webs, 
thereby casting doubt on the general importance of food web complexity 
for ecosystem functioning.


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vacancies

Axel G. Rossberg — 2011-02-11T14:22:21

A message forwarded from Peter de Ruiter...
************************************************

Please pass this information to anyone who might be interested

Prof. dr. Peter C. de Ruiter, Biometris, Wageningen UR
Visiting address: Radix, Gebouw 107, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen
P.O.Box 100, 6700 AC Wageningen
Telephone: +31 (0)317 - 481368 (secr. 484085)
E-mail: Peter.deRuiter-kYp8Ca87YEA< at >public.gmane.org ; Web: www.biometris.nl
______________________________________________________________________________________

We look for candidates for two PhD-projects

Food webs describe biological communities in terms of feeding interactions, i.e. 'who eats whom'. In ecosystems with many species, food web diagrams reveal highly complex networks of resource-consumer interactions. From theoretical analysis it is known that such networks might be relatively unstable, which means that the networks may easily fall apart when they are disturbed. In ecological terms this means that environmental change may push species toward extinction. For that reason, the ecology of food webs is much focused on what attributes of trophic networks are important to stability.

Until now food web ecology primarily deals with consumer-resource interactions as 'material' flows from resources to consumers. This means that it is only the amount of food consumed that is considered to be important. While we know that food quality might be even important for the growth and survival of species. Another aspect missing in current food web ecology is that by means of eating diseases might spread from resources to consumers.
This proposal aims to address both these aspects in food web models. These models will be based on observations on real food webs. These food webs come from natural parks in Africa (Serengeti, Kruger) and we have access to the large amount of observations on soil food webs as assembled in the Dutch Soil Survey data set.
The project is multi-disciplinary, as it brings together ideas on food web ecology, stoichiometry (the science of food quality), epidemiology, and mathematics.

We organise the program along the overall objective of the analysis of the interrelations between food web complexity, stability, and the quality of consumer/resource interaction in the form of two joint PhD-projects, based on a common theoretical framework and guided by the same empirical data. Both projects will focus on the idea of composite interaction strength that addresses the multi-dimensional `quality' of the material flow, regarding nutritional composition (Sub-project 1) and infectious disease agents (Sub-project 2). The aim is to develop food web models in terms of parallel trophic networks in which the feeding rates are represented as carrier system for the transmission of nutrients and/or disease agents.

Sub-project 1. Stoichiometry in food webs
Sub-project 2. Infectious disease agents in food webs
Please mention in your application letter which of the 2 projects you apply for. Of course, you can also apply for both.

For more information:
Sub-project 1. Peter de Ruiter - Peter.deRuiter-kYp8Ca87YEA< at >public.gmane.org
Sub-project 2. Hans Heesterbeek - J.A.P.Heesterbeek-qTWcuMntz1Q< at >public.gmane.org
Sluitingsdatum: 28 February 2011

FW: PhD Position University of Potsdam: Resilience inexperimental planktonic food webs

Matt Vos — 2011-01-26T16:13:54

PhD position at the University of Potsdam

The Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Modeling performs ecological
research on aquatic communities that respond to the sudden and gradual
impacts of global change.

We presently offer a PhD position in the project:

Warm and fragile: Temperature and vulnerability to extinction in pelagic
food webs

for experimental work on the effects of elevated temperatures on recovering
plankton communities. This work is part of a larger DFG-funded project that
combines both theoretical and empirical research.

Project description Our overarching goal is to explain which mechanisms
support the recovery of disturbed communities, and which mechanisms may
prevent it, in a context of global warming. You will perform experiments at
different temperatures that involve grazing, predation, competition and
re-introductions of species that were lost from the system. You will work
with both temperate and (sub-)tropical plankton species in communities of
varying complexity.

Requirements You are a highly motivated ecologist, holding a Diplom or
Masters degree in plankton ecology or community ecology. You have a keen
interest in major ecological concepts and in working together with
theoreticians that approach the projects questions with mathematical
models. The ideal candidate has above-average study marks, good quantitative
and analytical capabilities, excellent interpersonal and communication
skills, a strong sense of determination to succeed, and is easily able to
express his or her ideas in English writing. Some control of the German
language is welcome but not essential.

Appointment This is a temporary appointment for 3 years, on a 50-75% EG 13
TvöD-O position. The position will be filled as soon as possible.

Location The University of Potsdam and the Department offer excellent
facilities for research in ecology. The department is beautifully situated
in Sanssouci Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Potsdam offers a
high-quality living environment and is close and well-connected to Berlin.

For more information: please contact Dr Matthijs Vos, Phone: +49
(0)331-1977-1953, e-mail: mattvos-KiJTPfjSHVUubQSw3dWLiw< at >public.gmane.org

Application Please send your application letter outlining your suitability
and motivation, plus complete curriculum vitae including degree certificates
with marks by e-mail to Dr. Matthijs Vos ( mattvos-KiJTPfjSHVUubQSw3dWLiw< at >public.gmane.org ).
Selection starts immediately and closes as soon as we find a well-qualified
candidate.

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PhD Position University of Potsdam: Resilience inexperimental planktonic food webs

Matt Vos — 2011-01-26T16:11:10

PhD position at the University of Potsdam

The Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Modeling performs ecological
research on aquatic communities that respond to the sudden and gradual
impacts of global change.

We presently offer a PhD position in the project:

Warm and fragile: Temperature and vulnerability to extinction in pelagic
food webs

Appointment This is a temporary appointment for 3 years, on a 50-75% EG 13
TvöD-O position. The position will be filled as soon as possible.

For more information: please contact Dr Matthijs Vos, Phone: +49
(0)331-1977-1953, e-mail: mattvos-KiJTPfjSHVUubQSw3dWLiw< at >public.gmane.org

Paper on intervality

Axel G. Rossberg — 2010-12-07T17:12:32

Dear Colleagues

The following paper on intervality in food webs appeared in the
current issue of J R Soc Interface.

Regards,
Axel

Food-web structure in low- and high-dimensional trophic niche spaces
A. G. R., Å. Brännström, and U. Dieckmann, J. R. Soc.  Interface, 7,
1735–1743 (2010), doi:10.1098/rsif.2010.0111

http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/7/53/1735.abstract

Abstract: A question central to modelling and, ultimately, managing
food webs concerns the dimensionality of trophic niche space, that is,
the number of independent traits relevant for determining
consumer--resource links. Food-web topologies can often be interpreted
by assuming resource traits to be specified by points along a line and
each consumer's diet to be given by resources contained in an interval
on this line. This phenomenon, called intervality, has been known for
30 years and is widely acknowledged to indicate that trophic niche
space is close to one-dimensional. We show that the degrees of
intervality observed in nature can be reproduced in
arbitrary-dimensional trophic niche spaces, provided that the
processes of evolutionary diversification and adaptation are taken
into account. Contrary to expectations, intervality is least
pronounced at intermediate dimensions and steadily improves towards
lower- and higher-dimensional trophic niche spaces.

Please contact axel< at >rossberg.net with any questions or requests for
reprints.

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Fw: SIZEMIC 2011: SUMMER SCHOOL AND FINAL WORKSHOP

Axel G. Rossberg — 2010-11-16T15:28:35

... a message about upcoming events by the _open_ SIZEMIC research
network ...

Best, 
Axel
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Paper on complexity-stability-diversity

Axel G. Rossberg — 2010-11-10T11:14:52

Dear Colleagues

The following paper has appeared in Proceedings B.  (Connoisseurs might
also find online Appendix 6 interesting.)

Best, 
Axel

Universal power-law diet partitioning by marine fish and squid with
surprising stability-diversity implications

A. G. Rossberg, K. D. Farnsworth, K. Satoh and J. K. Pinnegar 
Proc. R. Soc. B, online, 2010, doi: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1483

http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/11/09/rspb.2010.1483.abstract

Abstract: A central question in community ecology is how the number of
trophic links relates to community species richness. For simple
dynamical food-web models, link density (the ratio of links to
species) is bounded from above as the number of species increases; but
empirical data suggest that it increases without bounds. We found a
new empirical upper bound on link density in large marine communities
with emphasis on ﬁsh and squid, using novel methods that avoid known
sources of bias in traditional approaches. Bounds are expressed in
terms of the diet-partitioning function (DPF): the average number of
resources contributing more than a fraction f to a consumer’s diet, as
a function of f. All observed DPF follow a functional form closely
related to a power law, with power-law exponents independent of
species richness at the measurement accuracy. Results imply universal
upper bounds on link density across the oceans. However, the
inherently scale-free nature of power-law diet partitioning suggests
that the DPF itself is a better deﬁned characterization of network
structure than link density.

Please contact axel< at >rossberg.net with any questions or requests for
reprints.

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Paper announcements

Axel G. Rossberg — 2010-03-31T15:54:12

Dear Food-webbers

Here I just want to take the opportunity to remind you of the
possibility to spread news of your recent work on this mailing list.
This example
http://news.gmane.org/find-root.php?message_id=%3c4BA1530E.6080700%40noaa.gov%3e
from the "marine mammals" mailing list
(http://news.gmane.org/gmane.science.biology.marmam), where such
announcements appear regularly, may serve as a model.  The scheme is
very simple and open to variation:

Greetings, full reference, link, contact, abstract.

Let me give it a try below.

Regards,

Axel

******************************************************

The following paper, relating species' traits to trophic interaction
strengths via an abstract "trophic niche space" has recently appeared
in Theoretical Ecology.

A. G. Rossberg, Å. Brännström, and U. Dieckmann, 2010. How trophic
interaction strength depends on traits — A conceptual framework for
representing multidimensional trophic niche spaces, Theor. Ecol.,
3(1), 13–24.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/e7um064632312123

Please contact axel< at >rossberg.net with any questions.

Abstract: A key problem in community ecology is to understand how
individual-level traits give rise to population-level trophic
interactions. Here, we propose a synthetic framework based on
ecological considerations to address this question
systematically. We derive a general functional form for the dependence
of trophic interaction coefficients on trophically relevant
quantitative traits of consumers and resources. The derived expression
encompasses—and thus allows a unified comparison of—several functional
forms previously proposed in the literature. Furthermore, we show how
a community’s, potentially low-dimensional, effective trophic niche
space is related to its higher-dimensional phenotypic trait space. In
this manner, we give ecological meaning to the notion of the
“dimensionality of trophic niche space.” Our framework implies a
method for directly measuring this dimensionality. We suggest a
procedure for estimating the relevant parameters from empirical data
and for verifying that such data matches the assumptions underlying
our derivation.
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Re: PhD job vacancies

Axel G. Rossberg — 2010-03-18T12:05:38

Dear Food-webbers,

here is a job ad that may be of interest to you or your colleges.

Axel

From: "Ruiter, Peter de" <Peter.deRuiter-kYp8Ca87YEA< at >public.gmane.org>
Subject: PhD job vacancies
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:59:02 +0100
Message-ID: <916B7C68E74873408928807656EB6C3209ABE8E8-SSBrjxaTNxE8kKStyz69t4RWq/SkRNHw< at >public.gmane.org>

PhD Positions

Owen Petchey — 2010-03-14T19:45:36

Dear Colleagues,

If you know of promising students who might like to do research about the patterns of extinctions in food webs, please advise them to consider either of the PhD advertised here:

http://owenpetchey.staff.shef.ac.uk/PosAvail/PosAvail.html

(Students should pay careful attention to the eligibility criteria.)

Many thanks and best wishes,
Owen
--
Owen Petchey
Department of Animal and Plant Sciences
University of Sheffield
owenpetchey.staff.shef.ac.uk